London, 1802

Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807

The Poem

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Milton! thou should'st be living at this hour:
England hath need of thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,
Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,
Have forfeited their ancient English dower
Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;
Oh! raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.
Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart:
Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:
Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free,
So didst thou travel on life's common way,
In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart
The lowliest duties on herself did lay.

Contents 1802
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Variant 1:

1820

... itself ...

1807

Footnote A:

In old English "yet" means "continuously" or "always"; and it is still used in Cumberland with this signification.—Ed.

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Contents 1802
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