"Smitten?" said Christ; "then turn the other cheek. They took your coat? then yield them up your cloak." "Shame!" men reply; "base policy and weak! Of men and not of nations did He speak. Seizure for thieveries and stroke for stroke!" "Ah," answers Christ, "when you yourselves are free, When you have broken your own passion's chain, Then can you break another's slavery. Freedom for Cuba! Let the leagues of sea Sweep the bold challenge to the shores of Spain; But let no vengeful rancor mar and stain The pure white armor of your chivalry!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE EARLY MORNING by HILAIRE BELLOC THE BELLS OF LYNN; HEARD AT NAHANT by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SOLITUDE OF SPACE by FLORA CECILE ALLISON MARIZIBILL by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE THE DEAD DRUMMER; A LEGEND OF SALISBURY PLAIN by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM LINES ADAPTED TO A FAVOURITE MILITARY AIR by JAMES HAY BEATTIE |