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71
THE MAN AND THE HOUR.
As some rare jewel, sealed within a rock,
Would ne'er have glittered in the sunny air,
Had not the lightning or an earthquake's shock
Crumbled the ledge, and laid its splendor bare—
So do fine souls lie darkling in the earth
Until some mighty tumult heaves them forth.
Would ne'er have glittered in the sunny air,
Had not the lightning or an earthquake's shock
Crumbled the ledge, and laid its splendor bare—
So do fine souls lie darkling in the earth
Until some mighty tumult heaves them forth.
Men of this land and lovers of these States!
What master-spirit from the dark shall rise,
And, with a will inviolate as fate's,
God-like and prudent, merciful and wise,
Do battle in God's name and set us right
Ere on our glory ruin broods and night!
What master-spirit from the dark shall rise,
And, with a will inviolate as fate's,
God-like and prudent, merciful and wise,
Do battle in God's name and set us right
Ere on our glory ruin broods and night!
December, 1860.
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