 | Poems
|  |
|
IN LONDON—IN TRAFALGAR-SQUARE—BEFORE THE STATUE OF GENERAL SIR CHARLES JAMES NAPIER.
We are the living Romans of the earth,
Strong-nerved, high-thoughted, for that we are free;
Therefore earth-rulers are we and shall be.
While we, self-ruled, still hold our great rights worth
The blood that won them. Free, there is no dearth
To-day of ancient greatness with us. We
Lack not great souls that give us deeds to see
From which our greater future leaps to birth.
Look, Cæsar's spirit homed in that strong brain;
That brow, that eagle-look—all Rome is there.
Strong the high wreaths of victory to gain,
But, greater than the Roman, quick to spare,
The stricken ask'd his mercy not in vain.
Bless God, O land, thy days such souls still bear.
| Poems
| |
|
