An Essay on War, in Blank Verse; Honington Green, a Ballad; the Culprit, an Elegy; and Other Poems, on Various Subjects
Man's sad necessity, destructive War,

Sweeps to the grave the surplus of his sons,

Where'er the kindly clime and soil invite

To Love; and multiply the Human Race.

  Around the World, in every happier spot

Where Earth spontaneous gives nutritious fruits.

Her softest verdure courting human feet,

And mossy grot's, beneath protecting shades,

The Stranger's envy, the Possessor's pride;

There, as increasing numbers throng each bower.

Frequent and fatal rivalships arise;

And ruthless War erects his hideous crest.

  Soon as Appropriation's iron hand

Assays to grasp the Produce of the Earth;

And youths assert hereditary power,

Propriety exclusive, and in arms

League to defend their patrimonial rights,

Indisputable claim of Fruits and Fields

Contending, oft their massive clubs they raise

Against each other's life: often, alas,


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