Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/A Prisoner in Chains
A PRISONER IN CHAINS
In prison and in chains he stands,Within a dark and narrow cell,And many sentries guard him well,But they have only bound his hands—His spirit moves a thousand clans,His glory gleams on shining shields,A mighty kingdom quakes and reels,And freedom shouts in tyrant lands.
Such is the power of noble deeds,That where one soul for freedom diesA thousand steel-clad warriors rise,To follow where the martyr leads. The clanging of one prison chainOft breaks a mighty despot's reign.