Poem by Richard Chenevix Trench

Poland, 1831

The nations may not be trod out, and quite
Obliterated from the world’s great page--
The nations, that have filled from age to age
Their place in story. They who in despite
Of this, a people’s first and holiest right,
In lust of unchecked power or brutal rage,
Against a people’s life such warfare wage,
With man no more, but with the Eternal fight.
They who break down the barriers He hath set,
Break down what would another time defend
And shelter their own selves: they who forget
(For the indulgence of the present will)
The lasting ordinances, in the end
Will rue their work, when ill shall sanction ill.

1. To the Same (Look, dearest, what a glory from the sun)
2. Sonnet (What good soever in thy heart or mind)
3. To the Same (O dowered with a searching glance to see)
4. The Island of Madeira
5. England (We look for, and have promise to behold)

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