TAKE back these vain insignia of command, Crown, truncheon, golden eagle, -- bubbles all, -- And robe of Tyrian dye, to me a pall; And be forever alien to my hand, Though laurel-wreathed, War's desolating brand: I would have friends, not courtiers, in my hall; Wise books, frank converse, Beauty free from thrall, And leisure for good deeds, thoughtfully planned. Farewell, thou garish World! thou Italy, False widow of departed Liberty! I scorn thy base caresses. Welcome the roll, Between us, of mine own bright Adrian sea! Welcome these wilds, from whose bold heights my soul Looks down on your degenerate Capitol! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BURNING DAWN by HAYDEN CARRUTH PEACE (1) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON QUESTION by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON MANHATTAN, 1609 by EDWIN MARKHAM DOMESDAY BOOK: CHARLES WARREN, THE SHERIFF by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |