Poems of James Clarence Mangan (Many hitherto uncollected): Centenary edition: Edited, with preface and notes by D. J. O'Donoghue: Introduction by John Mitchel |
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A HIGHWAY FOR FREEDOM. |
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 | Poems of James Clarence Mangan |  |
104
A HIGHWAY FOR FREEDOM.
I
“My suffering country shall be freed,And shine with tenfold glory!”
So spake the gallant Winkelried,
Renowned in German story.
“No tyrant, even of kingly grade,
Shall cross or darken my way!”
Out flashed his blade, and so he made
For Freedom's course a highway!
II
We want a man like this, with pow'rTo rouse the world by one word;
We want a chief to meet the hour,
And march the masses onward.
But, chief or none, through blood and fire,
My fatherland, lies thy way!
The men must fight who dare desire
For Freedom's course a highway!
III
Alas! I can but idly gazeAround in grief and wonder,
The people's will alone can raise
The people's shout of thunder.
Too long, my friends, you faint for fear,
In secret crypt and by-way;
At last be men! Stand forth and clear
For Freedom's course a highway!
105
IV
You intersect wood, lea, and lawn,With roads for monster waggons,
Wherein you speed like lightning drawn
By fiery iron dragons.
So do. Such work is good, no doubt;
But why not seek some nigh way
For mind as well? Path also out
For Freedom's course a highway.
V
Yes! up! and let your weapons beSharp steel and self-reliance!
Why waste your burning energy
In void and vain defiance,
And phrases fierce but fugitive?
'Tis deeds, not words, that I weigh—
Your swords and guns alone can give
To Freedom's course a highway!
| Poems of James Clarence Mangan | |