Quantum Mutata

There was a time in Europe long ago
When no man died for freedom anywhere,
But England's lion leaping from its

Laid hands on the oppressor! it was

While England could a great Republic show.
Witness the men of Piedmont, chiefest care
Of Cromwell, when with impotent

The Pontiff in his painted portico  Trembled before our stern ambassadors.
How comes it then that from such high estate
We have thus fallen, save that Luxury
With barren merchandise piles up the gate
Where nobler thoughts and deeds should enter by:
Else might we still be Milton's heritors.