ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

IN SERIES, 1821-22. PART III.

XI. SACHEVEREL

          A SUDDEN conflict rises from the swell
          Of a proud slavery met by tenets strained
          In Liberty's behalf. Fears, true or feigned,
          Spread through all ranks; and lo! the Sentinel
          Who loudest rang his pulpit 'larum bell,
          Stands at the Bar, absolved by female eyes
          Mingling their glances with grave flatteries
          Lavished on 'Him'--that England may rebel
          Against her ancient virtue. HIGH and LOW,
          Watchwords of Party, on all tongues are rife;               10
          As if a Church, though sprung from heaven, must owe
          To opposites and fierce extremes her life,--
          Not to the golden mean, and quiet flow
          Of truths that soften hatred, temper strife.