Skip to content
1770–1850

LINES ON THE EXPECTED INVASION

William Wordsworth

Come ye — who, if ( which Heaven avert! ) the Land Were with herself at strife, would take your stand, Like gallant Falkland, by the Monarch's side, And, like Montrose, make Loyalty your pride —

Come ye — who, not less zealous, might display Banners at enmity with regal sway, And, like the Pyms and Miltons of that day, Think that a State would live in sounder health

If Kingship bowed its head to Commonwealth — Ye too — whom no discreditable fear Would keep, perhaps with many a fruitless tear, Uncertain what to choose and how to steer —

And ye — who might mistake for sober sense And wise reserve the plea of indolence — Come ye — whate'er your creed — O waken all, Whate'er your temper, at your Country's call;

Resolving ( this a free-born Nation can ) To have one Soul, and perish to a man, Or save this honoured Land from every Lord But British reason and the British sword.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
LINES ON THE EXPECTED INVASION · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove