Page:Poems by William Wordsworth (1815) Volume 2.djvu/101

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93

"The Creatures see of flood and field,
"And those that travel on the wind!
"With them no strife can last; they live
"In peace, and peace of mind.


"For why?—because the good old Rule
"Sufficeth them, the simple Plan,
"That they should take who have the power,
"And they should keep who can.


"A lesson which is quickly learned,
"A signal this which all can see!
"Thus nothing here provokes the Strong
"To wanton cruelty.


"All freakishness of mind is checked;
"He tamed, who foolishly aspires;
"While to the measure of his might
"Each fashions his desires.


"All Kinds, and Creatures, stand and fall
"By strength of prowess or of wit:
"'Tis God's appointment who must sway,
"And who is to submit.