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1770–1850

PAPAL DOMINION

William Wordsworth

Unless to Peter's Chair the viewless wind Must come and ask permission when to blow, What further empire would it have? for now A ghostly Domination, unconfined

As that by dreaming Bards to Love assigned, Sits there in sober truth — to raise the low, Perplex the wise, the strong to overthrow; Through earth and heaven to bind and to unbind!—

Resist — the thunder quails thee!— crouch — rebuff Shall be thy recompense! from land to land The ancient thrones of Christendom are stuff For occupation of a magic wand,

And‘ tis the Pope that wields it:— whether rough Or smooth his front, our world is in his hand!

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PAPAL DOMINION · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove