Classic Poem

This is the man they deemed of languid blood,
A schoolman versed in books, who, Hamlet-like,
Showed but heat-flashes powerless to strike —
His resolution blighted in the bud.

They knew him not — nor we, who trusted him.
See! how his brooding purpose, taking form,
Falls like swift lightning from long-gathered storm,
While fateful thunder shakes the round world's rim.

His country, stirred by him to lofty strife,
Sharing his vision, with high passion thrills;
It climbs, renouncing minor goods and ills,
And stands beside him at the crown of life.

To a new knighthood he ordains the brave,
To be soul-worthy of a freeman's birth —
Not for our wrongs alone, but that on earth
None shall be master, none shall be a slave.

But yesterday a secret of his heart,
His welcome message floods the globe like light;
It cheers the farthest darkness by its might;
Its boldness makes the undissceptered start.

Where it has spread, by sea or mountain side
Or by the bivouac of the caravan,
The lowliest feels a part of Heaven's plan
And stands erect with newly wakened pride.

Beleaguered Liberty takes heart again,
Hearing afar the rescuing bugles blow;
And even in the strongholds of the foe
His name becomes the whispered hope of men.