Poems (Wordsworth, 1815)/Volume 2/Feelings of a Noble Biscayan
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XXIII.
FEELINGS OF A NOBLE BISCAYAN
AT ONE OF THESE FUNERALS.
1810.
Yet, yet Biscayans, we must meet our Foes
With firmer soul,—yet labour to regain
Our ancient freedom; else 'twere worse than vain
To gather round the Bier these festal shows!
A garland fashioned of the pure white rose
Becomes not one whose Father is a Slave:
Oh! bear the Infant covered to his Grave!
These venerable mountains now enclose
A People sunk in apathy and fear.
If this endure, farewell, for us, all good!
The awful light of heavenly Innocence
Will fail to illuminate the Infant's bier;
And guilt and shame, from which is no defence,
Descend on all that issues from our blood.