Page:Poems, in two volumes (IA poemsintwovolume01word).pdf/157
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
145
19.
There is a bondage which is worse to bearThan his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall,Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall:'Tis his who walks about in the open air,One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wearTheir fetters in their Souls. For who could be,Who, even the best, in such condition, freeFrom self-reproach, reproach which he must shareWith Human Nature? Never be it oursTo see the Sun how brightly it will shine,And know that noble Feelings, manly Powers,Instead of gathering strength must droop and pine,And Earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowersFade, and participate in Man's decline.