264 CONSOLATIONS OF SOLITUDE
Shall I relate how, while e'en yet a youth,
The rights of man by thee were understood. Arguing that much-vexed question, if, forsooth, Men may resist the laws ? ^ "If public good Demand it, then they may, and, to be free, O'erthrow the rulers." Thus, though young, by thee Foreshadowed was the march of human liberty.
Or shall I tell how trifling in thine eyes
Seemed worldly wealth ? -♦ Yet that thou didst not fall A slave to mammon will no man surprise.
In one who for the nation's good gave all, Preferring to live poor, so it might be. When he was gone, his country might live free ; The wise would surely smile, should I tell this of thee.
Or that with bribes they tempted thee in vain
The sacred cause of freedom to betray 5 — In vain with threats would bend thee } That the stain
Of traitor lay not on thee, shall I say ? This were to place thee at the bankrupt's side. Whom men reward when debts are satisfied. O, no ! To praise thee thus were only to deride.
For how shall rank or riches him seduce
Whom his own safety tempts not ? Yet I joy
In those proud words thou spakest, when abuse They heaped on thee, even threatening to destroy.
When in thine ear " Expect no pardon ! " rings,
Thou say'st, Think not that I shall fear such things ;
My peace has long been made with the great King of kings.
Was not thy soul delighted on that day.
When the alarm bells rang from every steeple,
And thou to the scared governor didst say,
" I wait thine answer to the impatient people ? " '
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