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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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99

45.
Sonnet

O that in adamant were cased my breast!
Or closed mine ear against the distracting noise
Of the great strife political! That voice
Which like a hurrying whirlwind comes unblessed
And prostrates man's affections, sympathies,
Domestic joys and duties—makes the Guest
An Enemy and deadly hate has placed
'Twixt Brothers. Holy peace and virtue fly
Before that fierce and multitudinous cry
For Liberty. Dishonored name! Shouts shrill,
Of Selfishness they are and lawless Will.
My soul is sad; for Freedom sinks to die,
Where Party hath usurped her sacred throne
And Love's and Truth's bright Altars overthrown.
November 8, 1838