Some Poems by Sir Walter Scott
page 55 of 72 (76%)
page 55 of 72 (76%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
Than yet thy life has known;
Conquest, unbought by blood or harm, That needs nor foreign aid nor arm, A triumph all thine own. Such waits thee when thou shalt control Those passions wild, that stubborn soul, That marred thy prosperous scene:- Hear this--from no unmoved heart, Which sighs, comparing what THOU ART With what thou MIGHT'ST HAVE BEEN! XIX. Thou, too, whose deeds of fame renewed Bankrupt a nation's gratitude, To thine own noble heart must owe More than the meed she can bestow. For not a people's just acclaim, Not the full hail of Europe's fame, Thy Prince's smiles, the State's decree, The ducal rank, the gartered knee, Not these such pure delight afford As that, when hanging up thy sword, Well may'st thou think, "This honest steel Was ever drawn for public weal; And, such was rightful Heaven's decree, Ne'er sheathed unless with victory!" XX. Look forth, once more, with softened heart, Ere from the field of fame we part; |
|