November, 1806
November, 1806
Original Text
William Wordsworth, Poems in Two Volumes (1807). See The Manuscript of William Wordsworth's Poems, in Two Volumes (1807): A Facsimile (London: British Library, 1984). bib MASS (Massey College, Toronto).
2Another mighty Empire overthrown!
3And We are left, or shall be left, alone;
4The last that dare to struggle with the Foe.
5'Tis well! from this day forward we shall know
6That in ourselves our safety must be sought;
7That by our own right hands it must be wrought;
8That we must stand unpropped, or be laid low.
9O dastard whom such foretaste doth not cheer!
11Be men who hold its many blessings dear,
12Wise, upright, valiant; not a servile band,
13Who are to judge of danger which they fear,
14And honour which they do not understand.
Notes
1] Prussia was overthrown by Napoleon's victory at Jena, October 14, 1806. Back to Line
10] if they who rule the land .... Pitt had died in January 1806 and Fox in September. Lord Grenville succeeded Pitt as Prime Minister. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1807
RPO poem Editors
J. R. MacGillivray
RPO Edition
3RP 2.388.
Rhyme
Form