Classic Poem

When sad Lucretia , with indignant shame,
Repell'd the insult on her lovely form,
And with Life's bloom, in precious currents warm,
Paid the dear tribute of her spotless name;
Revenge, upstarting, with celestial flame,
Swept off the Tyrant: — It was that keen storm
That could alone thy Government reform,
Emancipated Rome! Her deathless fame
Its Champion could alone aspire to reach;
Her proud atchievement's unexampled worth
Breath'd in its parting voice an op'ning day,
Thy golden age — her animated speech,
That struck the base Usurper from the earth,
To thy Majestic Freedom led the way.