by Coleridge · Cluster: Nationalism and Patriotism · Democracy · Liberty Political Freedom
Abstract
Occasional verses celebrating the 1814 peace over Napoleon while warning the fettered vulture may break its chain, plus an epigram wishing money had wings to fly to him; war, peace, and money.
Connections
Motifs: Money and Gold, Animals Themes & Concepts: War and its Cost, Nationalism and Patriotism Forms & Genres: Epigram Historical References: Napoleonic Wars the Navy
Testo integrale / Full text
DESIGNED BY WASHINGTON ALLSTON AND EXHIBITED AT BRISTOL ON ‘PROCLAMATION DAY’ — June 29, 1814.
We’ve fought for Peace, and conquer’d it at last,
The rav’ning vulture’s leg seems fetter’d fast!
Britons, rejoice! and yet be wary too:
The chain may break, the clipt wing sprout anew.
First published in Cottle’s Early Recollections, 1836, ii. 145. First
collected 1890.
ANOTHER VERSION
We’ve conquered us a Peace, like lads true metalled:
And Bankrupt Nap’s accounts seem all now settled.
Ibid. ii. 145. First collected 1893.
Money, I’ve heard a wise man say,
Makes herself wings and flies away —
Ah! would she take it in her head
To make a pair for me instead.
First published (from an MS.) in 1893.