Page:Modern Chevy Chase, or, The analysis.pdf/7

7 But yet he scarcely could believe

That they, with vain pretence,

Would shut their eyes against the light

And rules of common sense.

Sir Charles Wetherell (half enraged)

Contemned the Bill proposed,

Averring 'twould be robbery,

If Boroughbridge were closed.

He, in hot zeal, to vilify

The Bill in various ways,

Its movers ranked with regicides

In the first Charles's days.

Thus, Yea and Nay were tossed about

With oratorial flights,

Which kept the House in ferment high

Seven memorable nights.

At length the great division came,—

Out voted by but one,

The sullen Boroughmongers fear

Their griping sway undone.

Fame sped the tale with rapid flight,

Which every where was cheered,—

While brightening joy, in every face,

Through Britain's isle appeared.

But Scotia blushed, when Fame declared

How, when the cause was tried,

Thirteen of her choice forty-five—

No more—took Freedom's side!

This tells how requisite Reform,

Corruption to enchain,

"Whose fall may be like Lucifer's,

Never to rise again."