Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PRISONER OF CHILLON: INTRODUCTORY SONNET, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON


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THE PRISONER OF CHILLON: INTRODUCTORY SONNET, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Eternal spirit of the chainless mind!
Last Line: For they appeal from tyranny to god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron
Variant Title(s): Freedom's Hero;on The Castle Of Chillon;sonnet On Chillon;on Chillon
Subject(s): Chillon Castle, Switzerland


Eternal Spirit of the chainless Mind!
Brightest in dungeons, Liberty, thou art,
For there thy habitation is the heart --
The heart which love of thee alone can bind;
And when thy sons to fetters are consign'd --
To fetters, and the damp vault's dayless gloom --
Their country conquers with their martyrdom,
And freedom's fame finds wings on every wind.
Chillon! thy prison is a holy place,
And thy sad floor an altar -- for 'twas trod
Until his very steps have left a trace,
Worn as if thy cold pavement were a sod,
By Bonnivard! -- May none those marks efface!
For they appeal from tyranny to God.




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