PLUS DE POLITIQUE. (1832.)

No politics!—I cannot bear To tell our ancient fame; No politics!—I do not dare To paint our present shame! What we have been, what we must be, Let other minstrels say; It is too dark a theme for me: No politics to-day! I loved to see the captive’s chain By British hands burst through; I loved to sing the fields of Spain, The war of Waterloo: But now the Russians’ greedy swords Are edged with English pay; We help, we hire, the robber hordes: No politics to-day! I used to look on many a home Of industry and art; I gazed on pleasure’s gorgeous dome, On labour’s busy mart: From Derby’s rows, from Bristol’s fires, I turn with tears away; I can’t admire what Brougham admires: No politics to-day! Let’s talk of Coplestone and prayers, Of Kitchener and pies, Of Lady Sophonisba’s airs, Of Lady Susan’s eyes; Let’s talk of Mr. Attwood’s cause, Of Mr. Pococks’s play, Of fiddles, bubbles, rattles, straws! No politics to-day!