“FRANGAS NON FLECTES.”
I WOULD not weep, nor breathe a sigh,
Though all the world should frown on me;
I'd boldly stem the wintry sea,
And tempest high.
I would not teach my stubborn neck
To bend beneath a great one's frown,
Nor bid mine own free soul bow down
At monarch's beck.
No servile strain I'd teach my tongue,
To win the ear of mighty ones;
Whate'er within my spirit burns
High up is flung.
And should they smile—as smile they may—
Should I their scorn and hatred feel—
I 'd wrap my tortured heart in steel:
Proud, careless, gay!
Ay! though the power of earthly wo
Should crush my frame in agony,
My SOUL, unbent, proud, stern, and free,
Would scorn the blow!
But if a soft, sweet voice should call;
A kindly heart should throb with mine;
A gentle spirit round me twine,—
Then, tears might fall.
The tears that sorrow ne'er could wring,
The sighs that pain might waken not—
The plaint that hate and scorn ne'er brought—
Love's look would bring!
