The Writings of Oscar Wilde/Volume 1/Theoretikos

by Oscar Wilde

For other versions of this work, see Theoretikos.

This mighty empire hath but feet of clay:

Of all its ancient chivalry and might

Our little island is forsake quite:

Some enemy hath stolen its crown of bay,
And from its hills that voice hath passed away

Which spake of Freedom: O come out of it,

Come out of it my Soul, thou art not fit

For this vile traffic-house, where day by day

Wisdom and reverence are sold at mart,

And the rude people rage with ignorant cries

Against an heritage of centuries.

It mars my calm: wherefore in dreams of Art

And loftiest culture I would stand apart,

Neither for God, nor for his enemies.