The full title in 1816 was _Inscription for a national monument in commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo_. 1816. ] OCCASIONED BY THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO[167] FEBRUARY, 1816 Composed February 4, 1816.--Published 1816 One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty."--ED. The Bard--whose soul is meek as dawning day, Yet trained to judgments righteously severe, Fervid, yet conversànt with holy fear, As recognising one Almighty sway: He--whose experienced eye can pierce the array 5 Of past events; to whom, in vision clear, The aspiring heads of future things appear, Like mountain-tops whose[168] mists have rolled away-- Assoiled from all encumbrance of our time,[BX] He only, if such breathe, in strains devout 10 Shall comprehend this victory sublime; Shall[169] worthily rehearse the hideous rout, The triumph hail, which from their peaceful clime Angels might welcome with a choral shout![170] VARIANTS: [Footnote 167: 1837. The title in 1816 was _Occasioned by the same battle, February 1816_ 1816. ] [Footnote 168: 1820. Like mountain-tops whence ... 1816. ] [Footnote 169: 1837. And ... 1816. ] [Footnote 170: 1837. Which the blest Angels, from their peaceful clime Beholding, welcomed with a choral shout. 1816. ] FOOTNOTE: [Footnote BX: "From all this world's encumbrance did himself assoil."--SPENSER. W. W. 1816. In a MS. copy of the sonnet, Wordsworth wrote it thus: "In the above is a line taken from Spenser-- And hanging up his arms and warlike spoil, From all this world's encumbrance did himself assoil." ED. ] "EMPERORS AND KINGS, HOW OFT HAVE TEMPLES RUNG" Composed 1816.--Published 1827 One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty."--ED. Emperors and Kings, how oft have temples rung With impious thanksgiving, the Almighty's scorn! How oft above their altars have been hung Trophies that led the good and wise to mourn Triumphant wrong, battle of battle born, 5 And sorrow that to fruitless sorrow clung! Now, from Heaven-sanctioned victory, Peace is sprung;[BY] In this firm hour Salvation lifts her horn. Glory to arms! But, conscious that the nerve Of popular reason, long mistrusted, freed 10 Your thrones, ye Powers, from duty fear to swerve![171] Be just, be grateful; nor, the oppressor's creed Reviving, heavier chastisement deserve Than ever forced unpitied hearts to bleed. VARIANT: [Footnote 171: 1832. Your Thrones, from duty, Princes! fear to swerve; 1827. ] FOOTNOTE: