The Bronze Freedom
( ERECTED UPON THE DOME OF THE NATIONAL CAPITOL, DECEMBER, 1865 )
A vestal set above the land
To meet the flame of Mars,
I hover doubtful, spear in hand,
Between the states and stars.
With battles loud beneath my feet
I, kindred to the steel,
Arose, on music seeming-sweet,
To counsel and appeal.
But, poised here where the cannon's lull
Let heaven fill mine ears,
I found earth's voice uncertain, dull,
Among the chanting spheres.
The cannons ceased. I heard men shout
That other men were free;
But dead men, dead men lay about
Far as mine eyes could see.
I saw no race of joyful slaves
Released from shame and care;
I only saw the graves, the graves,
Around me everywhere!
A vestal set above the land
To meet the flame of Mars,
I hover doubtful, spear in hand,
Between the states and stars.
With battles loud beneath my feet
I, kindred to the steel,
Arose, on music seeming-sweet,
To counsel and appeal.
But, poised here where the cannon's lull
Let heaven fill mine ears,
I found earth's voice uncertain, dull,
Among the chanting spheres.
The cannons ceased. I heard men shout
That other men were free;
But dead men, dead men lay about
Far as mine eyes could see.
I saw no race of joyful slaves
Released from shame and care;
I only saw the graves, the graves,
Around me everywhere!
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