POEMS

COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833

XLIV. LOWTHER

          LOWTHER! in thy majestic Pile are seen
          Cathedral pomp and grace, in apt accord
          With the baronial castle's sterner mien;
          Union significant of God adored,
          And charters won and guarded by the sword
          Of ancient honour; whence that goodly state
          Of polity which wise men venerate,
          And will maintain, if God his help afford.
          Hourly the democratic torrent swells;
          For airy promises and hopes suborned                        10
          The strength of backward-looking thoughts is scorned.
          Fall if ye must, ye Towers and Pinnacles,
          With what ye symbolise; authentic Story
          Will say, Ye disappeared with England's Glory!