Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LINES ON THE EXPECTED INVASION, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH


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LINES ON THE EXPECTED INVASION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come ye - who, if (which heaven avert!) the land
Last Line: But british reason and the british sword.


COME ye -- who, if (which Heaven avert!) the Land
Were with herself at strife, would take your stand,
Like gallant Falkland, by the Monarch's side,
And, like Montrose, make Loyalty your pride --
Come ye -- who, not less zealous, might display
Banners at enmity with regal sway,
And, like the Pyms and Miltons of that day,
Think that a State would live in sounder health
If Kingship bowed its head to Commonwealth --
Ye too -- whom no discreditable fear
Would keep, perhaps with many a fruitless tear,
Uncertain what to choose and how to steer --
And ye -- who might mistake for sober sense
And wise reserve the plea of indolence --
Come ye -- whate'er your creed -- O waken all,
Whate'er your temper, at your Country's call;
Resolving (this a free-born Nation can)
To have one Soul, and perish to a man,
Or save this honoured Land from every Lord
But British reason and the British sword.





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