IRELAND. The Ode which is here inserted, because of its relation to the subject of the preceding Colloquy, was written in the winter of 1821-2, a few months after his Majesty's visit to Ireland, and some years before that religious movement had manifested itself there, which may in its consequences, through God's blessing, produce more benefit to that country, than could be effected by any act of human legislation. I. How long, O Ireland, from thy guilty ground Arraign the inefficient arm of Power? How long shall Night Bring to thy harmless dwellers, in the stead Horrible dreams, and worse realities? II. In vain art thou by liberal Nature's dower The Seasons in their course Shed o'er thy hills and vales The bounties of a genial clime, in vain; Heaven hath in vain bestowed Well-tempered liberty, (Its last and largest boon to social man,) From sire to son transmitting still (A sad inheritance!) Their errors, and their crimes. III. Green Island of the West! Rung far and wide of late, And grateful Dublin first beheld her King, IV. Oh what a joy was there! And in the intervals alone Of that tumultuous sound of glad acclaim Of duteous gratulation, tho' it spake From every tower the merry bells rung round, Till with the still reverberating din The walls and solid pavement seem'd to shake, And every bosom with the tremulous air Inhaled a dizzy joy. V. Age that came forth to gaze, Felt in its quicken'd veins a pulse like youth; Would make their children's children gather round Intent, all ears to hear. VI. Were then the feelings of that generous time Pass'd they away like summer clouds, Like glories of the evening firmament, Merciful Heaven, oh let not thou the hope Full harvests of prosperity and peace; That perfect union may derive its date And equitable ages thence Their lasting course begin! VII. Green Island of the West, While frantic violence delays That happier order, still must thou remain In thine own baleful darkness wrapt; As if the Eye divine, That which beholdeth all, from thee alone In wrath had turn'd away! But not for ever thus shalt thou endure, Thy misery, and our shame! For Mercy shall go forth To stablish Order, with an arm'd right hand; And firm Authority With its all-present strength controul the bad, And with its all-sufficient shield Protect the innocent: The first great duty this of lawful Power Which holds its delegated right from Heaven. IX. The first great duty this; but this not all, For more than comes within the scope Of Power, is needed here; More than to watch insidious discontent, Curb, and keep curb'd the treasonable tongue, And quell the madden'd multitude: Labours of love remain;... To weed out noxious customs rooted deep Improve the willing mind, And thou hast children able to perform X. Oh for a voice which might recal Thy truant sons! a voice Whose virtuous cogency Might with the strength of duty reach their souls; The severed links of that appointed chain, In mutual benefit, So binding heart to heart, It then connecteth Earth with Heaven, from whence The golden links depend. |