1. May one be pardoned, and retain--the offense?
In the corrupted currents of this world,
Offense's gilded hand may shove by--justice;
And oft 'tis seen, the wicked prize itself
Buys out the law: but 't is not so--above:
There--is no shuffling: there--the action lies
In its true nature.
2. He woke to hear his sentries shriek,
"To arms! they come! the Greek! the Greek!
He woke--to die--midst flame and smoke."
3. This--is no flattery: These--are counselors
That feelingly persuade me what I am.
4. And this--our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues--in tree, books--in the running brooks,
Sermons--in stones, and--good in everything.
5. Heaven gave this Lyre, and thus decreed,
Be thou a bruised--but not a broken--reed.