EAGLES

Dishonoured Rock and Ruin! that, by law

Tyrannic, keep the Bird of Jove embarred

Like a lone criminal whose life is spared.

Vexed is he, and screams loud. The last I saw

Was on the wing; stooping, he struck with awe

Man, bird, and beast; then, with a consort paired,

From a bold headland, their loved aery's guard,

Flew highabove Atlantic waves, to draw

Light from the fountain of the setting sun.

Such was this Prisoner once; and, when his plumes

The sea-blast ruffles as the storm comes on,

Then, for a moment, he, in spirit, resumes

His rank‘ mong freeborn creatures that live free,

His power, his beauty, and his majesty.