 | Grouped thoughts and scattered fancies |  |
20
XXIII.
VITALITY OF STATES.
Sudden, the mighty nation goes not down;—There is no mortal fleetness in its fate:—
Time,—many omens—still anticipate
The peril that removes its iron crown,
And shakes its homes in ruins. Centuries
Fleet by in the long struggle; and great men
Rush, mounted, to the breach where victory lies,
And personal virtue brings us life again!
Were it not thus, my Country!—were this hope
Not ours,—the present were a fearful time;
Vainly we summon mighty hearts to cope
With thy oppressors,—vanity and crime—
These ride thee, as upon some noble beast,
The scoundrel jackal, hurrying to his feast.
| Grouped thoughts and scattered fancies | |