John Scott (1730-1783)

To Britain

Renowned Britannia! loved parental land!

Regard thy welfare with a watchful eye!

Whenever the weight of want's afflicting hand

Wakes in thy vales the poor's persuasive cry

When wealth enormous sets the oppressor high,

When bribes thy ductile senators command,

And slaves in office freemen's rights withstand;

Then mourn, for then thy fate approacheth nigh!

Not from perfidious Gaul or haughty Spain,

Nor all the neighbouring nations of the main,

Though leagued in war tremendous round thy shore

But from thyself thy ruin must proceed!

Nor boast thy power; for know it is decreed:

Thy freedom lost, thy power shall be no more!