A SUDDEN conflict rises from the swell Of a proud slavery met by tenets strained In Liberty's behalf. Fears, true or feigned, Spread through all ranks; and lo! the Sentinel Who loudest rang his pulpit 'larum bell, Stands at the Bar, absolved by female eyes Mingling their glances with grave flatteries Lavished on 'Him' -- that England may rebel Against her ancient virtue. HIGH and LOW, Watchwords of Party, on all tongues are rife; As if a Church, though sprung from heaven, must owe To opposites and fierce extremes her life, -- Not to the golden mean, and quiet flow Of truths that soften hatred, temper strife. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AMORETTI: 68 by EDMUND SPENSER THE WELCOME by FARID OD-DIN MOHAMMAD EBN EBRAHIM ATTAR SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 26. BEYOND by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) SUNSET ON THE ORANGE MOUNTAINS by ADRIAN BERKOWITZ THE JAZZ BABY by BERTON BRALEY A CHILD ASLEEP by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |