130
SONGS, LEGENDS, AND BALLADS.
Cyclopian strokes the brutal allies give:
Their fetters massive and their dungeon walls;
Beneath their yoke, weak nations cease to live,
And valiant Right itself defenceless falls!
Defaced is law, and justice slain at birth;
Good men are broken—malefactors thrive;
But, when the tyrants tower o'er the earth.
Behind their wheels strong right is still alive!
Alive, like seed that God's own hand has sown—
Like seed that lieth in the lowly furrow.
But springs to life when wintry winds are blown:
To-day the earth is gray—'tis green tomorrow
The roots strike deep despite the rulers' power.
The plant grows strong with summer sun and rain.
Till Autumn bursts the deep red-hearted flower,
And freedom marches to the front again!
