37
ON THE TIMES IN ENGLAND.
In such an age as this, such times as these,
Marked by indulgence, luxury, and ease,
Can truths, unvarnished truths, the power impart
To touch the conscience, or to mend the heart?
Ah, Cowper! but too plain didst thou foretell,
And paint the coming evils but too well.
Ah! vainly didst thou warn!—in vain deplore
The ills which threatened England's favored shore.
How, then, shall humble poets hope to wake
An interest in themes all now forsake?
Yet subjects which involve our nation's fame
May surely from her sons attention claim.
In nations, as in individuals, wealth
Seldom conduces to repose or health;
Marked by indulgence, luxury, and ease,
Can truths, unvarnished truths, the power impart
To touch the conscience, or to mend the heart?
Ah, Cowper! but too plain didst thou foretell,
And paint the coming evils but too well.
Ah! vainly didst thou warn!—in vain deplore
The ills which threatened England's favored shore.
How, then, shall humble poets hope to wake
An interest in themes all now forsake?
Yet subjects which involve our nation's fame
May surely from her sons attention claim.
In nations, as in individuals, wealth
Seldom conduces to repose or health;
