Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech.

Calmly, but boldly, speak the honest thought,—
Having first made sure thou hast a thought to speak
Opinions ta’en on trust are often weak
When to the test of truth we see them brought.
A fool in his own folly soon is caught, 5
And ignorance is never far to seek:
They who have wisdom are alone the meek,
But ignorance with impudence is fraught.
The more the laws of Nature are us taught,
The more we shall the bonds of evil break; 10
Even now, methinks, I see the silver streak
Of Wisdom dawning in the world: for naught
But Wisdom—which is Knowledge well applied—
Can win mankind from Vice to Virtue’s side.

George Markham Tweddell
p. 30 [in Miscellaneous Sonnets]
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle, January 26, 1884.