Grouped thoughts and scattered fancies | ||
20
XXIII.
VITALITY OF STATES.
Sudden, the mighty nation goes not down;—There is no mortal fleetness in its fate:—
Time,—many omens—still anticipate
The peril that removes its iron crown,
And shakes its homes in ruins. Centuries
Fleet by in the long struggle; and great men
Rush, mounted, to the breach where victory lies,
And personal virtue brings us life again!
Were it not thus, my Country!—were this hope
Not ours,—the present were a fearful time;
Vainly we summon mighty hearts to cope
With thy oppressors,—vanity and crime—
These ride thee, as upon some noble beast,
The scoundrel jackal, hurrying to his feast.
Grouped thoughts and scattered fancies | ||