THEY stand like sentries at a country's gates, Guarding the mighty realm lest in should come The alien things to poison and benumb The sovereign heart. Where this tribunal waits There dwells the ancient power of the fates Which sways our destinies. Not rolling drum Or cannonade their means, — all such is dumb Before these peaceful arbiters of states. They wield one battle-blade, — the country's law; And each man is an intellectual king, Whose work shall last till Time's clear eyes are dim: It is but meet we look on them with awe, Who can by weight of words such forces swing, While men have no appeal except to Him. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WAYS OF TIME by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES SONG OF NATURE by RALPH WALDO EMERSON PSALM 93 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE |