1796.9
Cautions to England.
Against WASTE, CORRUPTION, and FALSE FRIENDS.
Anon
The Universal Magazine, XCIX (August 1796), p. 130

[From Mr. Knight's Didactic Poem, entitled 'The Progress of Civil Society.']

Yet, happy Britain! ere it is too late,
Shun the dire horrors that thy rashness wait:
Dismiss the venal and the useless train,
That waste thy vigour and thy vitals drain;
Shake off the leeches that, at every pore,
Empty thy veins, and fatten on thy gore;
And while thy power with Gallic foes contends,
Ah, shun the direr curse of German friends;
Whom still thy treasures, wrung from misery, pay,
To mock thy sufferings, and thy cause betray.
    Be thy own friend, and let thy children know,
That, for themselves, their blood and treasures flow;
That not ambitious hopes, or vengeful pride,
Lead on thy armies, or thy councils guide,
But that thy sword, impartial Justice draws,
To save thy liberties and guard thy laws.
    Yet, happy Britain!—with proportion'd weights,
Guard the just balance of thy three Estates;
For, in that balance only, canst thou find
Order and Rule, with Liberty combin'd.