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1770–1850

INFLUENCE ABUSED

William Wordsworth

Urged by Ambition, who with subtlest skill Changes her means, the Enthusiast as a dupe Shall soar, and as a hypocrite can stoop, And turn the instruments of good to ill,

Moulding the credulous people to his will. Such DUNSTAN:— from its Benedictine coop Issues the master Mind,at whose fell swoop The chaste affections tremble to fulfil

Their purposes. Behold, pre-signified, The Might of spiritual sway! his thoughts, his dreams, Do in the supernatural world abide: So vaunt a throng of Followers, filled with pride

In what they see of virtues pushed to extremes, And sorceries of talent misapplied.

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INFLUENCE ABUSED · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove