THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)

"YOUNG ENGLAND--WHAT IS THEN BECOME OF OLD"

Composed 1845.--Published 1845

One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty and Order."--ED.

Young England--what is then become of Old

Of dear Old England? Think they she is dead,

Dead to the very name? Presumption fed

On empty air! That name will keep its hold

In the true filial bosom's inmost fold

For ever.--The Spirit of Alfred, at the head

Of all who for her rights watch'd, toil'd and bled,

Knows that this prophecy is not too bold.

What--how! shall she submit in will and deed

To Beardless Boys--an imitative race,

The servum pecus of a Gallic breed?

Dear Mother! if thou must thy steps retrace,

Go where at least meek Innocency dwells;

Let Babes and Sucklings be thy oracles.