Volume I Part 10 (2/2)
Another mighty Empire overthrown!
And we are left, or shall be left, alone; The last that dares to struggle with the Foe.
'Tis well! from this day forward we shall know That in ourselves our safety must be sought; That by our own right hands it must be wrought, That we must stand unpropp'd, or be laid low.
O Dastard whom such foretaste doth not chear!
We shall exult, if They who rule the land Be Men who hold its many blessings dear, Wise, upright, valiant; not a venal Band, Who are to judge of danger which they fear, And honour which they do not understand.
_NOTES to the FIRST VOLUME_
_NOTES_.
NOTE I.
PAGE I (9).--_To the Daisy_. This Poem, and two others to the same Flower, which the Reader will find in the second Volume, were written in the year 1802; which is mentioned, because in some of the ideas, though not in the manner in which those ideas are connected, and likewise even in some of the expressions, they bear a striking resemblance to a Poem (lately published) of Mr. Montgomery, ent.i.tled, a Field Flower. This being said, Mr. Montgomery will not think any apology due to him; I cannot however help addressing him in the words of the Father of English Poets.
'Though it happe me to rehersin-- That ye han in your freshe song is saied, Forberith me, and beth not ill apaied, Sith that ye se I doe it in the honour Of Love, and eke in service of the Flour.'
NOTE II.
PAGE 35 (43); line 13.--
”.... persevering to the last, From well to better.”
'For Knightes ever should be persevering To seek honour without feintise or slouth Fro wele to better in all manner thing.'
CHAUCER:--_The Floure and the Leafe_.
NOTE III.
PAGE 37 (45).--_The Horn of Egremont Castle_. This Story is a c.u.mberland tradition; I have heard it also related of the Hall of Hutton John an ancient residence of the Huddlestones, in a sequestered Valley upon the River Dacor.
NOTE IV.
PAGE 58 (64).--_The Seven Sisters_. The Story of this Poem is from the German of FREDERICA BRUN.
NOTE V.
Page 63 (71); line 6.--
”.... that thy Boat May rather seem To brood on air,” _&c. &c._
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