 | The Poetical Works of James Gates Percival |  |
IV. Wealth of Soul.
“Freund, ich achte nicht des Mahles.”—
Voss.
Voss.
Not for gold, and not for splendor;
Not for crown or throne;—
No, never will my soul surrender
What it holds its own.
They may dote on piles of treasure,—
They may swim in streams of pleasure,—
Poor their gain!
Poor their gain!
Poor, ah! poor beyond all measure!
Vain, O, vain!
Only slavery's chain.
Not for crown or throne;—
No, never will my soul surrender
What it holds its own.
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They may swim in streams of pleasure,—
Poor their gain!
Poor their gain!
Poor, ah! poor beyond all measure!
Vain, O, vain!
Only slavery's chain.
Not for all that wealth can offer
Would I check my soul,—
No, not for regal bounty, suffer
Slavery's base control.
Ever in my own dominion,
I would mount on eagle's pinion,
Free as light!
Free as light!
Far above the tyrant's minion,
Wing my flight,
Nerved with strong delight.
Would I check my soul,—
No, not for regal bounty, suffer
Slavery's base control.
Ever in my own dominion,
I would mount on eagle's pinion,
Free as light!
Free as light!
Far above the tyrant's minion,
Wing my flight,
Nerved with strong delight.
| The Poetical Works of James Gates Percival | |