William Wordsworth

Lowther

LOWTHER! in thy majestic pile are seen
Cathedral pomp and grace, in apt accord
With the baronial castle’s sterner mien:
Union significant of God adored,
And charters won and guarded by the sword
Of ancient honor; whence that goodly state
Of polity which wise men venerate,
And will maintain, if God his help afford.
Hourly the democratic torrent swells;
For airy promises and hopes suborned
The strength of backward-looking thoughts is scorned.
Fall if ye must, ye towers and pinnacles,
With what ye symbolize; authentic story
Will say ye disappeared with England’s glory!