Page:Hazlitt, Political Essays (1819).djvu/297

 We join no feeling and attach no form! As if the soldier died without a wound; As if the fibres of this godlike frame Were gored without a pang; as if the wretch Who fell in battle, doing bloody deeds, Pass'd off to heaven, translated, and not killed;— As though he had no wife to pine for him— No God to judge him! Therefore, evil days Are coming on us, O my countrymen! And what if all-avenging Providence, Strong and retributive, should make us know The meaning of our words; force us to feel The desolation and the agony Of our fierce doings! I have told, O Britons! O my brethren! I have told Most bitter truth, but without bitterness. Nor deem my zeal or factious or mistimed: For never can true courage dwell with them, Who playing tricks with conscience, dare not look At their own vices. We have been too long Dupes of a deep delusion!—Others, meanwhile, Dote with a mad idolatry; and all Who will not fall before their images, And yield them worship, they are enemies Even of their country! Such have I been deem'd." — S. T. C.