Strong I stand, though I have borne Anger, hate, and bitter scorn; Strong I stand, and laugh to see How mankind have fought with me. Shade of history, I condemn All the puny ways of men; Free my heart, my spirit free, Beckon, and I'll follow thee. False and foolish mortal know, If you scorn the world's disdain, Your mean soul is far below Other worms, however vain. Thing of Dust, with boundless pride, Dare you ask me for a guide? With the humble I will be; Haughty men are naught to me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CREDO by WILLIAM ARTHUR DUNKERLEY THE BRACELET: TO JULIA by ROBERT HERRICK TO LUCY, COUNTESS OF BEDFORD, WITH MR. DONNE'S SATIRES by BEN JONSON AT A SOLEMN MUSIC by JOHN MILTON SONGS OF TRAVEL: 1. THE VAGABOND by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON ODE SUNG AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION by ALFRED TENNYSON |