Poems in Two Volumes, Volume 1: XVII

XVII

  When I have borne in memory what has tamed
  Great Nations, how ennobling thoughts depart
  When Men change Swords for Ledgers, and desert
  The Student's bower for gold, some fears unnamed
  I 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 find
  In 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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