15. Great Men have been among us; hands that penn'd Young Vane, and others who call'd Milton Friend. In splendor: what strength was, that would not bend But equally a want of Books and Men! 16. It is not to be thought of that the Flood 17. When I have borne in memory what has tamed Great Nations, how ennobling thoughts depart When Men change Swords for Ledgers, and desert The Student's bower for gold, some fears unnamed I had, my Country! am I to be blamed? But, when I think of Thee, and what Thou art, Verily, in the bottom of my heart, Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed. But dearly must we prize thee; we who find In thee a bulwark of the cause of men ; And I by my affection was beguiled. 18. October, 1803. One might believe that natural miseries Spot rich in all things that can soothe and please! Of Liberty that yet remains on Earth! 19. There is a bondage which is worse to bear Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall, Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall: 'Tis his who walks about in the open air, One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear Their fetters in their Souls. For who could be, Who, even the best, in such condition, free |