England v

By William Wordsworth

1770-1850

WHEN I have borne in memory what has tamed
         Great Nations, how ennobling thoughts depart
         When men change swords for ledgers, and desert
The student's bower for gold, some fears unnamed
I had, my Country!--am I to be blamed?
         Now, when I think of thee, and what thou art,
         Verily, in the bottom of my heart,
Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed.
For dearly must we prize thee; we who find
         In thee a bulwark for the cause of men;
         And I by my affection was beguiled:
         What wonder if a Poet now and then,
Among the many movements of his mind,
         Felt for thee as a lover or a child!

DayPoems Poem No. 479
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/479.html">England v by William Wordsworth</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

Poets  Poems