THIS glitt'ring metal, dazzler of the eyes, In so small bulk, where so much mischief lies, Disclaims the earth, when it has pass'd the fire, And then no longer owns the rock for sire. When coin'd, it boasts of pow'r omnipotent; Which monstrous birth the long-scorn'd mountains sent: 'Tis bane of peace, 'tis nourisher of war; And o'er the world does spread its venom far. With confidence this bold usurper can Hold competition with its former, man: Man whose sublimer soul should upward soar, Yet for a god can his own works adore. Laws are remiss when thou the pow'r dost git, All vices thou unpunish'd dost permit; Torrent of mischiefs, source of ills the worst! The more we drink of thee, the more we thirst. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOT SIX DIFFERENCES by MARVIN BELL THE WORD OF AN ENGINEER by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE TOURNAMENT by SIDNEY LANIER THE CRESCENT MOON by AMY LOWELL THE MIDDLETON PLACE by AMY LOWELL ITALIAN PICTURES: COSTA MAGIC by MINA LOY JOHNNY APPLESEED by EDGAR LEE MASTERS DEDICATION OF THE FIRST SONNETS TO A FRIEND ... by GEORGE SANTAYANA |