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State Rights
Wisely each state for its own rights contends;And jealous is of the whole Country's sway;
From arbitrary power those rights defends,
Nor tamely would a tyrant's will obey.
But to itself, meanwhile, it false may prove,
Seeking its own, its ease, its wealth, its power;
Acknowledging no more the bond of love,
Its Country's good, which was its nuptial dower.
Our Country's good! Ah, here we all have erred,
Unmindful of her good and noble fame;
Each state its separate interest has preferred,
And gloried even in the Nation's shame;
Nor seen, that what its greatness each may deem,
Without the general good, is but a dream!
Poem No. 830; c. 1 March 1861
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