[256:1] First published in a quarto pamphlet 'printed by J. Johnson in S. Paul's Churchyard, 1798': included in _Poetical Register_, 1808-9 (1812), and, with the same text, in an octavo pamphlet printed by Law and Gilbert in (?) 1812: in _Sibylline Leaves_, 1817, 1828, 1829, and 1834. Lines 129-97 were reprinted in the _Morning Post_, Oct. 14, 1802. They follow the reprint of _France: an Ode_, and are thus prefaced:--'The following extracts are made from a Poem by the same author, written in April 1798 during the alarm respecting the threatened invasion. They were included in _The Friend_, No. II (June 8, 1809), as _Fears of Solitude_.' An autograph MS. (in the possession of Professor Dowden), undated but initialled S. T. C., is subscribed as follows:--'N. B. The above is perhaps not Poetry,--but rather a sort of middle thing between Poetry and Oratory--sermoni propriora.--Some parts are, I am conscious, too tame even for animated prose.' An autograph MS. dated (as below 232) is in the possession of Mr. Gordon Wordsworth. LINENOTES: Title] Fears &c. Written, April 1798, during the Alarms of an Invasion MS. W., 4{o}: Fears &c. Written April 1798, &c. P. R. [19] that] which 4{o}, P. R. [33] It is indeed a melancholy thing And weighs upon the heart 4{o}, P. R., S. L. [40] groans] screams 4{o}, P. R. [43] And have been tyrannous 4{o}, P. R. [44-60] The groan of accusation pleads against us. * * * * * Desunt aliqua . . . Meanwhile at home We have been drinking with a riotous thirst Pollutions, &c. MS. D. [53-9] Meanwhile at home We have been drinking with a riotous thirst. Pollutions from the brimming cup of wealth A selfish, lewd, effeminated race. MS. W., 4{o}, P. R. [Lines 54-8 of the text were added in Sibylline Leaves, 1817.] [69] know] _know_ MS. W., 4{o}, P. R. [110] from] of 4{o}, P. R. [112] defeats] deceit S. L. [_Probably a misprint_]. [121] translated] _translated_ 4{o}, P. R. [131] drag] speed 1809. [133] that] who 1802, 1809. [134] Laugh'd at the bosom! Husbands, fathers, all 1802: Smil'd at the bosom! Husbands, Brothers, all The Friend, 1809. [136] Which] That 1802. [138] pure] strong 1809. [139] foe] race 1809. [138-9] Without the Infidel's scorn, stand forth, be men, Make yourselves strong, repel an impious foe 1802. [140] yet] and MS. W. [141] Who] That 4{o}, P. R., 1802, 1809. [146] we] ye 1809. [148] toss] float 1809. [149] sea-weed] sea-weeds MS. W., 4{o}, 1802. some] the 1809. [150] Swept] Sweeps 1809. [151] fear] awe 1802. [151-3] Not in a drunken triumph, but with awe Repentant of the wrongs, with which we stung So fierce a race to Frenzy. 1809. [154] O men of England! Brothers! I have told 1809. [155] truth] truths 1802, 1809. [156] factious] factitious 1809. [157] courage] freedom 1802.