POEMS WRITTEN IN 1819. THE MASQUE OF ANARCHY. 1. As I lay asleep in Italy, There came a voice from over the sea, And with great power it forth led me To walk in the visions of Poesy. 2. I met Murder on the way—- He had a mask like Castlereagh. Very smooth he looked, yet grim ; Seven bloodhounds followed him. 3. All were fat; and well they might Be in admirable plight, For one by one, and two by two, He tossed them human hearts to chew, Which from his wide cloak he drew. 4. Next came Fraud, and he had on, Like Lord Eldon, an ermine gown. His big tears, for he wept well, Turned to millstones as they fell; 5. And the little children who Round his feet played to and fro, Thinking every tear a gem, Had their brains knocked out by them. 6. Clothed with the bible, as with light And the shadows of the night, Like Sidmouth next, Hypocrisy On a crocodile came by.