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III.
Political Ambition
Again doth lust of Power lift up its head,Seeking our Country for its ends to rule;
Feeding the flame, which it so long has fed,
Before war's lava torrents yet are cool.
What are the ends for which it power would seek?
To educate, to civilize, refine,
To raise the lowly and uphold the weak,
Develop, cherish every art benign?
To make our land, by Providence so blest,
Still onward in the path of progress move;
That here the heavy laden might find rest,
And nations dwell in brotherhood and love?
Ah no;—it strives not thus mankind to bless,
But only power to gain, and to possess.
Poem No. 28; c. 25 September 1868
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