BRITISH FREEDOM.[1]
Reading edition
BRITISH FREEDOM.[1]
It is not to be thought of that the flood Of British freedom, which, to the open sea Of the world's praise, from dark antiquity Hath flow'd "with pomp of waters unwithstood"—[2] Roused though it be full often to a mood, 5 Which spurns the check of salutary bands, That this most famous stream in bogs and sands Should perish,[3] and to evil and to good Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung Armoury of the invincible knights of old: 10 We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakspeare spake—the faith and morals hold Which Milton held. In everything we're sprung Of earth's first blood, have titles manifold.
—Wordsworth.
[1] Written in 1802 or 1803, when an invasion of England by Napoleon was expected.
[2] This phrase is quoted from a poem by Daniel, an Elizabethan poet.
[3] in bogs and sands should perish. Should be destroyed by Napoleon.