Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WASHINGTON by WILLIAM HERBERT (1778-1847)

First Line: A BETTER PRIZE / THERE IS FOR MAN, A GLORY FOR THIS WORLD
Last Line: SWAY'D ONCE BY VICIOUS CAESARS.
Subject(s): PRESIDENTS, UNITED STATES; WASHINGTON, GEORGE (1732-1799);

A BETTER prize
There is for man, a glory of this world
Well worth the labour of the blessed, won
By arduous deeds of righteousness, that bring
Solace, or wisdom, or the deathless boon
Of holy freedom to his fellow men,
And praise to the Almighty. Such a wreath
Encircled late the patriotic brows
Of him, who, greater than the kings of earth,
To young Atlantis in an upright cause
Gave strength and liberty, and laid the stone
Whereon shall rise, if so Jehovah will,
An empire mightier than the vast domain
Sway'd once by vicious Caesars.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net