Composed October 1803.--Published 1807
One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."--Ed.
Vanguard of Liberty, ye men of Kent, [A]
Ye children of a Soil that doth advance
Her [1] haughty brow against the coast of France,
Now is the time to prove your hardiment!
To France be words of invitation sent!
They from their fields can see the countenance
Of your fierce war, may ken the glittering lance
And hear you shouting forth your brave intent.
Left single, in bold parley, ye, of yore,
Did from the Norman win a gallant wreath;
Confirmed the charters that were yours before;--
No parleying now! In Britain is one breath;
We all are with you now from shore to shore:--
Ye men of Kent, 'tis victory or death!
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VARIANT ON THE TEXT
[Variant 1:1827.
It's ... 1807.
It's haughty forehead 'gainst ... MS.]
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FOOTNOTE ON THE TEXT
[Footnote A: Compare Michael Drayton's 'Barons' Wars', book i.:
'Then those of Kent, unconquered of the rest,
That to this day maintain their ancient right.'
Ed.]
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THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - VOL. 2 (Completed)
ClassicsThe poetical works of William Wordsworth, edited by William Knight.
