THIS is the man they deemed of languid blood, A schoolman versed in books, who, Hamlet-like, Showed but heat-flashes powerless to strike -- His resolution blighted in the bud. They knew him not -- nor we, who trusted him. See! how his brooding purpose, taking form, Falls like swift lightning from long-gathered storm, While fateful thunder shakes the round world's rim. His country, stirred by him to lofty strife, Sharing his vision, with high passion thrills; It climbs, renouncing minor goods and ills, And stands beside him at the crown of life. To a new knighthood he ordains the brave, To be soul-worthy of a freeman's birth -- Not for our wrongs alone, but that on earth None shall be master, none shall be a slave. But yesterday a secret of his heart, His welcome message floods the globe like light; It cheers the farthest darkness by its might; Its boldness makes the undissceptered start. Where it has spread, by sea or mountain side Or by the bivouac of the caravan, The lowliest feels a part of Heaven's plan And stands erect with newly wakened pride. Beleaguered Liberty takes heart again, Hearing afar the rescuing bugles blow; And even in the strongholds of the foe His name becomes the whispered hope of men. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ASSAULT by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY THE RUBAIYAT, 1879 EDITION: 14 by OMAR KHAYYAM TO MY FIRST LOVE, MY MOTHER by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI EPIGRAM: 18. THE ENEMY OF LIFE by THOMAS WYATT MY HAPPINESS by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS TWELVE SONNETS: 5. GLAD SEASONS by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |