A Wreath of Virginia Bay Leaves - Poems of James Barron Hope by James Barron Hope
page 46 of 146 (31%)
page 46 of 146 (31%)
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The war of sections thro' all time to shun--
She writes the words which almost seem divine, "Our deadliest foe's a geographic line!" And Justice, with her face severely grand, Stands 'mid the group, her balances in hand: Faultless in judging trivial deeds, or great, Unmoved by love and unimpressed by hate. Beside her gleams undimmed by spot, or rust, A mighty blade to strike when strike she must; And this bright falchion like that which defends The guarded gate where earth in Eden ends, With flame terrific and with ponderous sway Frightens each Brennus from her scales away. And there we see pale, pleading Mercy bow, A troubled shadow on her saintly brow; Her fringed lashes tremulous with tears, Which glitter still through all the change of years: And as we see those tear drops slowly rise, Giving new softness to her tender eyes, Away the mists which o'er the dark past drift Are rent and scattered, while the sudden rift Shows, like some distant headland vast and dim Seen through the tempest, the great soul of him Who guarding against the native traitor, could Turn from her pleadings for his country's good. And Honor last completes the stately group, With eye like eagle's in descending swoop, Fronted like goddess beautiful and proud |
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