Quantum Mutata

Oscar Wilde

THERE was a time in Europe long ago
    When no man died for freedom anywhere,
    But England's lion leaping from its lair
Laid hands on the oppressor! it was so
While England could a great Republic show.
    Witness the men of Piedmont, chiefest care
    Of Cromwell, when with impotent despair
The Pontiff in his painted portico
Trembled before our stern ambassadors.
    How comes it then that from such high estate
    We have thus fallen, save that Luxury
With barren merchandise piles up the gate
Where nobler thoughts and deeds should enter by:
    Else might we still be Milton's heritors.