IT grieves me to behold the commonwealth. Things were not thus administered of old; Then men of sense and virtue, men whose merits Gave them consideration in the state, Held the first offices: to such we bowed As to the gods, -- and gods indeed they were, -- For under their wise counsels we enjoyed Security and peace. But now, alas! We have no other guide in our elections Save chance, blind chance, and on whatever head It falls, though worst and meanest of mankind, Up starts he a great man, and is at once Installed prime Rogue and Minister of State. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DAYBREAK by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS A WAR SONG TO ENGLISHMEN by WILLIAM BLAKE FORGIVENESS by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE TESTAMENT OF CRESSEID by ROBERT HENRYSON BINGEN ON THE RHINE by CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH SHERIDAN NORTON OF MAN'S MORTALITY by SIMON WASTELL DON'T YOU WISH YOU KNEW! by A. H. B. |