Ebenezer Elliott Quotes

Life is short, and time is swift; Roses fade, and shadows shift.

Almighty Father! let thy lowly child, Strong in his love of truth, be wisely bold,-- A patriot bard, by sycophants reviled. Let him live usefully, and not die old!

Daisies infinite Uplift in praise their little growing hands, O'er every hill that under heaven expands.

Sleep, to the homeless thou art home; the friendless find in thee a friend

What is a Communist? One who hath yearnings For equal division of unequal earnings, Idler or bungler, or both, he is willing, To fork out his copper and pocket your shilling.

The quivering flesh, though torture-torn, may live, but souls, once deeply wounded, heal no more.

Tis toil's reward, that sweetens industry, As love inspires with strength the enraptur'd thrush.

Again the violet of our early days Drinks beauteous azure from the golden sun, And kindles into fragrance at his blaze.

Stern fate and time Will have their victims; and the best die first, Leaving the bad still strong, though past their prime, To curse the hopeless world they ever curs'd Vaunting vile deeds, and vainest of the worst.

Things of today? Deeds which are harvest for Eternity!

The streams, rejoiced that winter's work is done, Talk of to-morrow's cowslips as they run.

God said,--"Let there be light!" Grim darkness felt His might, And fled away; Then startled seas and mountains cold Shone forth, all bright in blue and gold, And cried--"'Tis day! 'tis day!" "Hail, holy light!" exclaim'd The thunderous cloud that flam'd O'er daisies white; And lo! the rose, in crimson dress'd, Lean'd sweetly on the lily's breast; And blushing murmur'd--Light!

Written in support of abolishing the Corn Laws, it became Elliott's most famous poem. The Peoples Anthem When wilt thou save the people Oh, God of mercy! When? Not kings and lords, but nations! Not thrones and crowns, but men! Flowers of thy heart, of God they are. Let them not pass like weeds, away Their heritage a sunless day! God save the people! When wilt thou save the people? Oh, God of mercy! When? The people Lord the people! Not thrones and crowns, but men! God save the people! Thine they are, Thy children, as thy angels fair, Save them from bondage and despair. God save the people!

If't were not for my cat and dog, I think I could not live.