Nature

Said Secrecy to Cowardice and Fraud

by William Wordsworth 1770–1850

From Poetical Works, ed. Knight (1896), vol. VIII

Nature

Said Secrecy to Cowardice and Fraud,
Falsehood and Treachery, in close council met,
Deep under ground, in Pluto’s cabinet,
“The frost of England’s pride will soon be thawed;
Hooded the open brow that overawed
Our schemes; the faith and honour, never yet
By us with hope encountered, be upset;--
For once I burst my bands, and cry, applaud!”
Then whispered she, “The Bill is carrying out!”
They heard, and, starting up, the Brood of Night
Clapped hands, and shook with glee their matted locks;
All Powers and Places that abhor the light
Joined in the transport, echoed back their shout,
Hurrah for ----, hugging his Ballot-box!

MLA

Wordsworth, William. “Said Secrecy to Cowardice and Fraud.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/872/.

Chicago

Wordsworth, William. “Said Secrecy to Cowardice and Fraud.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/872/.

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