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As easy might the Despot's empty pride The onward course of rushing ocean stay; As easy might his jealous caution hide From mortal eyes the orb of general day.
For like that general orb's eternal flame Glows the mild force of Virtue's constant light; Tho' clouded by Misfortune, still the same, For ever constant, and for ever bright.
Not till eternal chaos shall that light Before Oppression's fury fade away;Not till the fun himself be lost in night; Not till the frame of Nature shall decay.
Go then secure, in steady virtue go, Nor heed the peril of the stormy seas,Nor heed the felon's name, the outcast's woe; Contempt and pain, and sorrow and disease.
Tho' cankering cares corrode the sinking frame, Tho' sickness rankle in the sallow breast;Tho' Death were quenching fast the vital flame, Think but for what ye suffer, and be blest.
So thall your great examples fire each soul, So in each free-born breast for ever dwell, Till Man shall rise above the unjust controul, Stand where ye stood, and triumph where ye fell.
Yes!
