Poems, in Two Volumes (Wordsworth, 1807)/Volume 1/Written in London, September, 1802

For other versions of this work, see Written in London, September, 1802.

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Thought of a Briton on the Subjugation of Switzerland

Poems, in Two Volumes (Wordsworth, 1807)
by William Wordsworth

Written in London, September, 1802

Milton! thou should'st be living at this hour

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4705193Poems, in Two Volumes (Wordsworth, 1807) — Written in London, September, 1802William Wordsworth

13.

WRITTEN IN LONDON,

September, 1802.

O Friend! I know not which way I must lookFor comfort, being, as I am, opprest,To think that now our Life is only drestFor shew; mean handywork of craftsman, cook,Or groom! We must run glittering like a BrookIn the open sunshine, or we are unblest:The wealthiest man among us is the best:No grandeur now in nature or in bookDelights us. Rapine, avarice, expence,This is idolatry; and these we adore:Plain living and high thinking are no more:The homely beauty of the good old causeIs gone; our peace, our fearful innocence,And pure religion breathing household laws.