Volume 2 — "It is not to be thought of that the Flood"

Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807^A

The Poem

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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 flowed, "with pomp of waters, unwithstood," Roused though it be full often to a mood Which spurns the check of salutary bands, That this most famous Stream in bogs and sands Should perish; and to evil and to good Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung Armoury of the invincible Knights of old: We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold Which Milton held.—In every thing we are sprung Of Earth's first blood, have titles manifold. Contents 1802 Main Contents 1 2 B 5 10

Variant 1:

1827

... unwithstood, Road by which all might come and go that would, And bear out freights of worth to foreign lands; 1803

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Variant 2:

1807

... must live ... 1803

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Footnote A:

It was first printed in The Morning Post, April 16. 1803, and signed W. L. D.—Ed.

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Footnote B:

Compare Daniel's Civil War, book ii. stanza 7.—Ed.

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Contents 1802 Main Contents