The fallen elm (final)

Thus came enclosure—ruin was her guide

But freedoms clapping hands enjoyed the sight

Tho comforts cottage soon was thrust aside

And workhouse prisons raised upon the site.

Een natures dwelling far away from men

The common heath became the spoilers prey;

The rabbit had not where to make his den

And labours only cow was drove away.

No matter — wrong was right and right was wrong

And freedoms brawl was sanction to the song.

Such was thy ruin music making Elm;

The rights of freedom was to injure thine:

As thou wert served, so would they overwhelm

In freedoms name the little that is mine.

And these are knaves that brawl for better laws

And cant of tyranny in stronger powers

Who glut their vile unsatiated maws

And freedoms birthright from the weak devours.