Classic Poem

‘ WHEN THE TEMPEST ’

When the tempest 's at the loudest
 On its gale the eagle rides;
When the ocean rolls the proudest
 Through the foam the sea-bird glides—
All the rage of wind and sea
Is subdued by constancy.

Gnawing want and sickness pining,
 All the ills that men endure,
Each their various pangs combining,
 Constancy can find a cure—
Pain and Fear and Poverty
Are subdued by constancy.

Bar me from each wonted pleasure,
 Make me abject, mean, and poor,
Heap on insults without measure,
 Chain me to a dungeon floor—
I 'll be happy, rich, and free,
If endowed with constancy.