ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
VIII. ACQUITTAL OF THE BISHOPS
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
A VOICE, from long-expecting thousands sent, Shatters the air, and troubles tower and spire; For Justice hath absolved the innocent, And Tyranny is balked of her desire: Up, down, the busy Thames–rapid as fire Coursing a train of gunpowder–it went, And transport finds in every street a vent, Till the whole City rings like one vast quire. The Fathers urge the People to be still, With outstretched hands and earnest speech–in vain! 10 Yea, many, haply wont to entertain Small reverence for the mitre’s offices, And to Religion’s self no friendly will, A Prelate’s blessing ask on bended knees.