Page:Poems Proctor.djvu/241

COMPROMISE. Inscribed to the Congress of the United States assembled in Extra Session, July 4, 1861.

Compromise! Who dares to speak it
 On the nation's hallowed Day,
When the air with thunder echoes
 And the rocket-lightnings play?
Compromise? while on the dial
 Liberty goes ages back,
Scourged and bound, for our denial,
 Firmer to the despot's rack?

Compromise? while angels tremble
 As we falter in the race;
Cringe and flatter and dissemble,—
 We! who hold such royal place?
Compromise? It suits the craven!
 Has our valor stooped so low?
Have we lost our ancient ardor
 Face to face to meet the foe?

No! By all the May-Flower's peril
 On the wild and wintry sea;
By the Pilgrim's prayer ascending,
 As he knelt with reverent knee;