England’s Liberty.
Our freedom is no wild exotic scheme,1
Framed by a nation that has burst its chain,2
But is still hampered by the broken rein3
That curbed it formerly ; it is no dream,4
Faultlessly logical, of minds which deem5
That men are led by reason’s voice alone.6
No, ’tis the natural growth of the seed sown,7
Almost unconsciously, by men who seem8
Like giants in their manliness. It grew9
With every want of each succeeding age,10
Increasing as each age became more true11
To those great principles which first the sage12
Saw dimly. Now it has escaped the rage13
Of kings, lords, priests—yea, of the people too.14