GREAT men have been among us; hands that penn'd <br /> And tongues that utter'd wisdom--better none: <br /> The later Sidney, Marvel, Harrington, <br />Young Vane, and others who call'd Milton friend. <br />These moralists could act and comprehend: <br /> They knew how genuine glory was put on; <br /> Taught us how rightfully a nation shone <br />In splendour: what strength was, that would not bend <br />But in magnanimous meekness. France, 'tis strange, <br /> Hath brought forth no such souls as we had then. <br />Perpetual emptiness! unceasing change! <br /> No single volume paramount, no code, <br /> No master spirit, no determined road; <br /> But equally a want of books and men!<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/england-iii/
