38. Papal Dominion


Unless to Peter's Chair the viewless wind
Must come and ask permission when to blow,
What further empire would it have? for now
A ghostly Domination, unconfined
As that by dreaming Bards to Love assigned,
Sits there in sober truth--to raise the low--
Perplex the wise--the strong to overthrow--
Through earth and heaven to bind and to unbind!
Resist--the thunder quails thee!--crouch--rebuff
Shall be thy recompence! from land to land
The ancient thrones of Christendom are stuff
For occupation of a magic wand,
And 'tis the Pope that wields,--whether rough
Or smooth his front, our world is in his hand!


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