While the pent ocean rising o'er the pile, Thus, while around the wave-subjected soil Hence all the good from opulence that springs, 12 A new] Holland seems to be a conquest upon the sea, and in a manner rescued from its bosom.' Gold. An. Nat. i. P. 276. 12 Even liberty] Slavery was permitted in Holland; children were sold by their parents for a certain number of years. 14 A nation once famous for setting the world an example of freedom is now become a land of tyrants, and a den of slaves.' Cit. of the World, i. P. 147. Heavens! how unlike their Belgic sires of old! Rough, poor, content, ungovernably bold; War in each breast, and freedom on each brow; How much unlike the sons of Britain now! Fir'd at the sound, my genius spreads her wing, 15 And flies where Britain courts the western spring; Where lawns extend that scorn Arcadian pride, And brighter streams than fam'd Hydaspis glide, There all around the gentlest breezes stray, There gentle music melts on every spray; Creation's mildest charms are there combin'd, Extremes are only in the master's mind! Stern o'er each bosom reason holds her state With daring aims irregularly great; Pride in their port, defiance in their eye, I see the lords of humankind pass by; Intent on high designs, a thoughtful band, By forms unfashion'd fresh from nature's hand, Fierce in their native hardiness of soul, True to imagin'd right, above control, While even the peasant boasts these rights to scan, And learns to venerate himself as man. 15 So in the Cit. of the World, ii. p. 196, in praise of Britain. 'Yet from the vernal softness of the air, the verdure of the fields, the transparency of the streams, and the beauty of the women; here love might sport among painted lawns, and warbling groves, and carol upon gales wafting at once both fragrance and harmony.' Thine, freedom, thine the blessings pictur'd here, All claims that bind and sweeten life unknown: Nor this the worst. As nature's ties decay, As duty, love, and honour fail to sway, Fictitious bonds, the bonds of wealth and law, Still gather strength, and force unwilling awe. Hence all obedience bows to these alone, And talent sinks, and merit weeps unknown; 16 It is extremely difficult to induce a number of free beings to cooperate for their mutual benefits; every possible advantage will necessarily be sought; and every attempt to procure it must be attended with a new fermentation.' Cit. of the World, ii. 228. One sink of level avarice shall lie, And scholars, soldiers, kings, unhonour'd die. Yet think not, thus when freedom's ills I state, By proud contempt, or favour's fostering sun, That those who think must govern those that toil; O then how blind to all that truth requires, Who think it freedom when a part aspires! Calm is my soul, nor apt to rise in arms, Except when fast approaching danger warms: But when contending chiefs blockade the throne, 17In the things I have hitherto written I have neither allured the vanity of the great by flattery, nor satisfied the malignity of the vulgar by scandal; but have endeavoured to get an honest reputation by liberal pursuits.' v. Pref. to Eng. History, p. 398. 18 Contracting regal power to stretch their own, When I behold a factious band agree To call it freedom when themselves are free; Tear off reserve, and bare my swelling heart; Yes, brother, curse with me that baleful hour, When first ambition struck at regal power; 18 It is not yet decided in politics whether the diminution of kingly power in England tends to increase the happiness or freedom of the people. For my own part, from seeing the bad effects of the tyranny of the great in those republican states that pretend to be free, I cannot help wishing that our monarchs may still be allowed to enjoy the power of controling the encroachments of the great at home.' Goldsmith's Pref. to Hist. of England. It is the interest of the great to diminish kingly power as much as possible.' Vic. of Wakef. p. 101. 19 'What they may then expect may be seen by turning our eyes to Holland, Genoa, or Venice, where the laws govern the poor, and the rich govern the law.' Vic. of Wakef. cxix. 'There was a time even here when titles softened the rigour of the law; when dignified wretches were suffered to live.' Cit. of the World, i. 162. 20 Ifly] Marriage may all these petty tyrants chase.' Pope's Ep. to Mrs. Blount. |