Classic Poem

I.

Cowards and Slaves, who ne'er will learn
Your own deep strength and might,
Who shut those eyes which should discern
The Truth, the Right, the Light!
God helps not Man, who might control
Ev'n God to his endeavour! —
The Titan with a Pigmy's Soul
Remains a Pigmy ever!

II.

So long as those who might be free
Crouch down and hug their chains,
In vain is their appeal to Me
Or any God that reigns;
So long as mortal men despair,
Self-martyr'd, self-polluted,
Those Upas-trees shall cloud the air
With branches human-fruited!

III.

So long as freemen yield the Thief
Their birthright of the soil,
And let my earth remain in fief
To Knaves who will not toil;
So long as Knaves by Slaves are sent
To rule my fair creation,
Wail on, ye Mortals, and lament
Your own self-immolation!

IV.

Awake! arise! upraise your eyes,
Ye Titans of mankind, —
One touch would break the chain of Lies
Which ye yourselves have twined!
'Tis you alone who are the Strong,
Not ev'n your God is stronger! —
Long as ye will , be Slaves, — so long!
But not one heart's-beat longer!

V.

I made you free, I gave you might
To lose or conquer all;
I help no coward in the fight,
But calmly watch him fall!
So long as ye forget your dower,
By your own wills bereaven,
Wail on, in impotence of power,
But hope no help from Heaven! ...
So long, O Men, so long!