Classic Poem

I'm happy, while a miscreant crew condemn,
(A crew disgraceful to the name of men,)
To hail thy noble spirit, which from youth,
Ever maintained the glorious cause of truth;
And, spite of foul corruption, still defends
The cause of sacred freedom and her friends;
Freedom! our dearest claim...compleatest good,
For which our fathers shed their heartiest blood;
For which they boldly soar'd on eagles wings,
And dar'd the mid-day majesty of kings.
Nor here let party men malignant wrest,
The patriot feelings of the poet's breast,
To little purposes, absurd, and low;
But take this definition ere they go:

To keep the streams of government confin'd,
That all may gently flow to bless mankind,
That no one breaking from its destin'd course,
Should o'er the rest, rush on with lawless force,
But that though separate each should in the end,
Meet at one point, and there most kindly blend:
To rein prerogative within due bounds,
And fix the peoples rights on steadfast grounds;
But still that each, as others should be free,
To curb the insolence of liberty,
Are the distinguish'd proofs on virtue's plan,
That speak the patriot and the honest man.

Such are the characters, whose fostering hand,
Can save this wretched and much injur'd land;
A land where plenty long had reign'd confess'd,
And hardy millions labour'd to be blest;
Where sweet content beam'd on each smiling face,
And perfect health produced a vigorous race:
Where toiling commerce, genius of our isle,
Pour'd forth her stores, and pour'd them with a smile;
Then freedom loudly in our senates rung,
England and glory dwelt on every tongue!
In days like these secure our country stood,
Her sons untainted, and her system good.
With joy, the bard, thy active spirit sees,
Fir'd to renew such golden days as these;
With joy, he views thee join the patriot band,
Whose efforts yet will save a sinking land;
Whose love for every thing that made us great,
Will yet from foul corruption purge the state,
Who firm to truth, and glorious truth alone,
Will give her Britons all they once have known,
Restore the peoples rights, and circumscribe the throne.