Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, JOHN LACKLAND, by GEORGE MEREDITH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

JOHN LACKLAND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A wicked man is bad enough on earth
Last Line: Who dared to steal and stain the symbols of the lord!
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; John, King Of England (1167-1216); Lackland, John


A WICKED man is bad enough on earth;
But O the baleful lustre of a chief
Once pledged in tyranny! O star of dearth
Darkly illumining a nation's grief!
How many men have worn thee on their brows!
Alas for them and us! God's precious gift
Of gracious dispensation got by theft --
The damning form of false unholy vows!
The thief of God and man must have his fee:
And thou, John Lackland, despicable prince --
Basest of England's banes before or since!
Thrice traitor, coward, thief! O thou shalt be
The historic warning, trampled and abhorr'd
Who dared to steal and stain the symbols of the Lord!





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