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Dark time had there its evil legend wrought

In characters of cloud which wither not.

The change was like a dream to them; but soon

They knew the glory of their altered lot,

In the bright wisdom of youth's breathless noon,

The eternal stars gaze on us!-is Sweet talk and smiles and sighs all

the truth

bosoms did attune.

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On Liberty-that name lived on the sunny flood.

V

"We reached the port.-Alas! from many spirits

The wisdom which had waked that cry was fled,

Like the brief glory which dark Heaven inherits

From the false dawn, which fades ere it is spread,

As one who from some mountain's pyramid

Points to the unrisen sun!- the shades approve

His truth, and flee from every stream and grove.

Thus, gentle thoughts did many a bosom fill,

Wisdom the mail of tried affections

wove

For many a heart, and tameless scorn of ill

Upon the night's devouring dark- Thrice steeped in molten steel the un

ness shed:

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conquerable will.

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Some forest among caves, the hopes The burden of their sins would frightfully

and fears

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They said that age was truth, and that the young

Marred with wild hopes the peace of slavery,

With which old times and men had quelled the vain and free.

XV

"And with the falsehood of their poisonous lips

They breathed on the enduring memory

In vain! the steady towers in Heaven did shine

As they were wont, nor at the
priestly call

Left Plague her banquet in the
Ethiop's hall,

Nor Famine from the rich man's portal came,

Where at her ease she ever preys on all

Who throng to kneel for food: nor fear nor shame

Of sages and of bards a brief eclipse; Nor faith nor discord dimmed hope's There was one teacher, who neces

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newly kindled flame.

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