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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LIBERTY OF THE PRESS by AUBREY DE VERE

First Line: SOME LAWS THERE ARE TOO SACRED FOR THE HAND
Last Line: MAKE MAN A REPTILE, HE WILL TURN AND STING
Subject(s): FREEDOM;
SOME laws there are too sacred for the hand
O fman to approach; recorded in the blood
Of patriots; before which, as the Rood
Of Faith, devotional we take our stand.
Time-hallowed laws! magnificently planned
When Freedom was the nurse of public good ,
And Power paternal: laws that have withstood
All storms-unshaken bulwarks of the land!
Free will, frank speech, an undissembling mind,
Without which Freedom dies and laws are vain,
On such we found our rights, to such we cling:
In these shall Power his surest safeguard find.
Tread them not down in passion, or disdain:
Make Man a reptile, he will turn and sting.




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