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. 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: conquerable will. Some forest among caves, the hopes The burden of their sins would frightfully and fears 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 Left Plague her banquet in the 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 newly kindled flame. |