In a dark cave below The conqueror does throw His miserable vanquish'd foe. Deep is the dungeon where that wretch is cast, Thither day comes not nigh; Dampish and nasty vapours do him blast, Yet still his heart is high. His prison is so strait He cannot move at will; Huge chains oppress him with their weight, Yet has he courage still. And can I think I want my libertee, When in such thrall he keeps his mind so free? It shall not be: No, no; The sailor I'll outgo, The soldier, slave, and vanquish'd foe; When others rage, I'll think how I am tost; The seaman in the main, The naked slave shall, i' th' most piercing frost, Make me bear any pain. The march I'll call to mind, When weary, and get wings: Lest I should think myself confin'd The pris'ner freedom brings. Whene'er restraint, or grief, or fear, or cold, Tempt me, these thoughts will then my mind uphold. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HE WROTE THE HISTORY BOOK,' IT SAID by MARIANNE MOORE SONNET: ENGLAND by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH RESIGNATION by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 21. THE WORLD'S MARRIAGE MORN by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) SONG OF THE DOVE by FREDRIKA BREMER |