Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition

Quantum Mutata (Author: Oscar Wilde)

p.699

1. • 1] There was a time in Europe long ago
     2] When no man died for freedom anywhere,
     3] But England's lion leaping from its lair
     4] Laid hands on the oppressor! it was so
     5] While England could a great Republic show.
     6] Witness the men of Piedmont, chiefest care
     7] Of Cromwell, when with impotent despair
     8] The Pontiff in his painted portico
   • 9] Trembled before our stern ambassadors.
     10] How comes it then that from such high estate
     11] We have thus fallen, save that Luxury
     12] With barren merchandise piles up the gate
     13] Where noble thoughts and deeds should enter by:
     14] Else might we still be Milton's heritors.