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Thomas Cole's poetry

the collected poems of America's foremost painter of the Hudson River School reflecting his feelings for nature and the romantic spirit of the Nineteenth Century

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75

[27. Cast off the bands that bind thee now]

“Cast off the bands that bind thee now
Each strand is steep'd in pain.”
Thus spoke a voice—I made a vow
To break them all—'twas vain—
Shall man within whose heart's core flows
Affection's burning tide
Chill it with wordliness and close
Its gush in icy pride?
He cannot if he has that spark
Of heaven's fire called love
Quenchless it burns amid the storm
True as the stars above.
May 28, 1835