<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head"> An Earnest Petition</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">FREE Trade--let sager wits than mine debate</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%">Whether it salve, whether it wound the State ;</p><p class="line">But when I see our Foe fed early and late</p><p class="line">On each new, flattering lie,</p><p class="line">Then, of the Powers that mercifully give</p><p class="line">Or mercifully deny,</p><p class="line">I ask a boon : for Free Truth then I cry !</p><p class="line">With chartered poverty's prerogative</p><p class="line">I haunt Heaven's ear, and clamour--while I wait</p><p class="line">A beggar at its gate--</p><p class="line">" Rather than be as these who darkling live,</p><p class="line">Illumined let me die."</p></div></body></html> · Great War