To the Men of Kent. October, 1803

Composed October 1803.—Published 1807

One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.

The Poem

text variant footnote line number

Vanguard of Liberty, ye men of Kent,
Ye children of a Soil that doth advance
Her haughty brow against the coast of France,
Now is the time to prove your hardiment!
To France be words of invitation sent!
They from their fields can see the countenance
Of your fierce war, may ken the glittering lance
And hear you shouting forth your brave intent.
Left single, in bold parley, ye, of yore,
Did from the Norman win a gallant wreath;
Confirmed the charters that were yours before;—
No parleying now! In Britain is one breath;
We all are with you now from shore to shore:—
Ye men of Kent, 'tis victory or death!

Contents 1803
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A

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Variant 1:

1827

It's ...

1807

It's haughty forehead 'gainst ...

MS.

Footnote A:

Compare Michael Drayton's Barons' Wars, book i.:

'Then those of Kent, unconquered of the rest,
That to this day maintain their ancient right.'

Ed.

return to footnote mark

Contents 1803
Main Contents