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 | The Repeal of the Missouri Compromise |  |
And, after gaining his desire,
He scarce was willing to retire,
And, as he turned to take his leave,
He laughed immoderate in his sleeve,
And said he'd surely call for more
In eighteen hundred fifty-four.
“The rest,” quoth he, “I cannot get,
I am not strong enough as yet;
But when I am maturely strong,
I'll seize the balance, right or wrong.”
But Freedom cried, “Wo worth the day
When such a treacherous game you play;
And such a treacherous game to win
Would be a most atrocious sin.
The act would gracious heaven defy,
And tempt the Majesty on high;
And then would ruin most complete
Accompany your sad defeat.”
He scarce was willing to retire,
And, as he turned to take his leave,
He laughed immoderate in his sleeve,
And said he'd surely call for more
In eighteen hundred fifty-four.
“The rest,” quoth he, “I cannot get,
I am not strong enough as yet;
But when I am maturely strong,
I'll seize the balance, right or wrong.”
8
When such a treacherous game you play;
And such a treacherous game to win
Would be a most atrocious sin.
The act would gracious heaven defy,
And tempt the Majesty on high;
And then would ruin most complete
Accompany your sad defeat.”
| The Repeal of the Missouri Compromise | |