Classic Poem

Again stern Fate her balance sways;
The olden battle lives again;
This day began the righteous days
That sundered first from chaff the grain;
Then first at length the false and true
Men learnt with opened eyes to scan;
The dauntless and the timorous crew,
Th' imperfect and the perfect man.

Now men shall him " Illustrious " name,
Whose mind its light from justice takes;
And him shall men a " Knight " proclaim,
Who ne'er his knightly promise breaks;
Him men shall deem a true " Divine " ,
In whom a godly spirit glows;
And he as " Citizen " shall shine,
Who how to guard his city knows.

Now let your worth, Ye Men, be shewn,
Still onward with decision move,
Lest ye a burden to your own ,
A jest to other countries prove.
Of schemes ye have a plenteous host,
Long speeches have been duly heard;
Enough is written and engrossed —
Then speak your last decisive word!

And if, alas! it prospers not,
Back to the people's ranks return;
Be it your proud, your glorious lot
No precious rights to lose or spurn.
With patience in this hope abide —
" The dawn hath come of Freedom's day,
A God its sun doth wisely guide,
And naught its onward course can stay! "