AS THE CRAG EAGLE

As the crag eagle to the zenith's height

Wings his pursuit in his exalted hour

Of her the tempest-reared, whose airy power

Of plume and passion challenges his flight

To that wild altitude, where they unite,

In mutual tumultuous victory

And the swift sting of nature's ecstasy,

Their shuddering pinions and their skyward might —

As they, the strong, to the full height of heaven

Bear up that joy which to the strong is given,

Thus, thus do we, whose stormy spirits quiver

In the bold air of utter liberty,

Clash equal at our highest, I and thee,

Unconquered and unconquering forever!