Page:An Epistle to Curio - Akenside (1744).djvu/14


 * When they who loud for Liberty and Laws,

In doubtful Times had fought their Country's Cause, When now of Conquest and Dominion sure, They fought alone to hold their Fruits secure; When taught by these, Oppression hid the Face To leave Corruption stronger in her Place, By silent Spells to work the public Fate, And taint the Vitals of the passive State, Till healing Wisdom should avail no more, And Freedom loathe to tread the poison'd Shore; Then, like some guardian God that flies to save The weary Pilgrim from an instant Grave, Whom sleeping and secure, the guileful Snake Steals near and nearer thro' the peaceful Brake; Then rose to ward the public Woe, To wake the Heedless and incite the Slow, Against Corruption Liberty to arm, And quell th' Enchantress by a mightier Charm. Rh