Classic Poem

There are feelings that lie in the depth of the soul,
Unnotic'd and even unknown,
'Till occasion calls for them, and onward they roll,
And we wonder to find them our own.

Was it danger that rous'd the sublime in the breast,
That conquer'd all natural fear?
That taught it a strength it scarce knew it possest,
And whisper'd—Thy safety lies here?

Or was it oppression that taught it to burn
With such an unquenchable flame?
On pride and injustice undaunted to turn,
At Liberty's glorious name!

O what made a rock of the patriot's heart,
Unshaken by threat or alarm?
An eagle's keen glance to his eye could impart?
A terrible strength to his arm?

And whence is that calm which within us we feel
As the perils around us increase?
In sorrow and trouble the spirit to steel,
'Till all is internally peace;

'Tis a visitant sent from the brightness of Heaven,
A beam of the mercy of God;
A courage divine to mortality given,
That points to its blessed abode!

There are feelings that lie in the depth of the soul,
Unnotic'd and even unknown,
'Till occasion calls for them, and onward they roll,
And we wonder to find them our own.

Was it danger that rous'd the sublime in the breast,
That conquer'd all natural fear?
That taught it a strength it scarce knew it possest,
And whisper'd—Thy safety lies here?

Or was it oppression that taught it to burn
With such an unquenchable flame?
On pride and injustice undaunted to turn,
At Liberty's glorious name!

O what made a rock of the patriot's heart,
Unshaken by threat or alarm?
An eagle's keen glance to his eye could impart?
A terrible strength to his arm?

And whence is that calm which within us we feel
As the perils around us increase?
In sorrow and trouble the spirit to steel,
'Till all is internally peace;

'Tis a visitant sent from the brightness of Heaven,
A beam of the mercy of God;
A courage divine to mortality given,
That points to its blessed abode!