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17.

When I have borne in memory what has tamedGreat Nations, how ennobling thoughts departWhen Men change Swords for Ledgers, and desertThe Student's bower for gold, some fears unnamedI had, my Country! am I to be blamed?But, when I think of Thee, and what Thou art,Verily, in the bottom of my heart,Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed.But dearly must we prize thee; we who findIn thee a bulwark of the cause of men;And I by my affection was beguiled.What wonder, if a Poet, now and then,Among the many movements of his mind,Felt for thee as a Lover or a Child.
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