I have read the following poems included in this book (listed with ratings below):
- “The Latest Decalogue”: This poem is Cough’s observation of the perversion of the Ten Commandments that he saw during his time. Rating: 4/5
- “Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth”: Clough wrote this poem after the fighters in the European revolutions of 1848, which he had supported, were defeated. The poem charges its readers not to believe that their cause is lost and offers a hopeful outlook for the future. Rating: 4.5/5
- “Spirit’s Song” (from “Dispychus”): The speaker revels in his wealth and love of its effects. The poem draws attention to the corrupting factor of wealth. Rating: 3/5