Book 2 — III[81:1]
Reading edition
III[81:1]
PRIESTLEY
Though rous'd by that dark Vizir Riot rude Have driven our Priestley o'er the Ocean swell; Though Superstition and her wolfish brood Bay his mild radiance, impotent and fell; Calm in his halls of brightness he shall dwell! 5 For lo! Religion at his strong behest Starts with mild anger from the Papal spell, And flings to Earth her tinsel-glittering vest, Her mitred State and cumbrous Pomp unholy; And Justice wakes to bid th' Oppressor wail 10 Insulting aye the wrongs of patient Folly; And from her dark retreat by Wisdom won [82]Meek Nature slowly lifts her matron veil To smile with fondness on her gazing Son!
December 11, 1794.
FOOTNOTES:
LINENOTES:
Title] Effusion iv. 1796: Sonnet ix. 1803: Sonnet iii. 1828, 1829, 1834.
[
1-2
]
Tho' king-bred rage with lawless uproar rude Hath driv'n
M. C.
Tho' king-bred rage with lawless tumult rude Have driv'n
MS. Letter, Dec. 17, 1794.
[
7
]
Disdainful rouses from the Papal spell, M. C., MS. Letter, 1794.
[
11
]
That ground th' ensnared soul of patient Folly. M. C., MS. Letter, 1794.