XXXVII.
TO LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.
IOTH DECEMBER, 1848.
‘Solus omnium ante se Principum in melius mutatus.’
I
Inheritor of more than kings can grant,
Or full-voiced senates on the brave bestow;
—That loftiest proudest Name this earth can vaunt,
Since he, the Crescent Foe,
II
Th' Arabian Slave, within Medina waned,
—High is the task and matchless the reward
Awaiting, if thy sway win back, unstain'd,
All that the fiery sword,
III
Th' unbending adamantine force of will,
And th' eagle glance of the prophetic eye
Gain'd for his France of true relief from ill;
The fix'd security
IV
Pillar'd on law and trust of man in man,
The reasonable freedom of the race;
Fresh golden marts for commerce, the firm plan
Of rule, that knew no place
V
No height, that men of strength in heart or mind,
Noblesse of Nature, might not seek and gain:—
—If such thy works, the blessings of thy kind
Well-won, thou wilt attain.
VI
No crown For citizens saved e'er shone more bright
Than that great title France prepares for thee,
When thou hast built her firm on Peace and Right;
—The First among the Free.
