Page:Hours Spent in Prison.djvu/52

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48

have measured it all out, and afterwards I understood the delight of the fall, but without dashing my life out. Then, still more, I believe in my strength. Let those who cannot love the earth live in delusion. I have possessed myself of the truth, and why should I now range the sky? The earth is the world for me, for I live upon the earth!

Then the snake rolled himself up, proud of himself.

The sea was sparkling in the sunshine; the waves were striking menacingly against the shore.

Above their terrible roar rose the famous song of a proud bird which had died for the sake of liberty.

The rocks were moving under the pressure of the waves, and seemed to shiver under the poignant melody of the song:—

“To the fury of manly men we offer worship.