Classic Poem

Emperors and kings! in vain you strive
Your torments to conceal —
The age is come that shakes your thrones,
Tramples in dust despotic crowns,
And bids the sceptre fail,

In western worlds the flame began:
From thence to France it flew —
Through Europe, now, it takes its way,
Beams an insufferable day,
And lays all tyrants low.

Genius of France! pursue the chace
Till REASON'S laws restore
Man to be MAN , in every clime; —
That B EING , active, great, sublime
Debas'd in dust no more.

In dreadful pomp he takes his way
O'er ruin'd crowns, demolish'd thrones —
Pale tyrants shrink before his blaze —
Round him terrific lightnings play —
With eyes of fire, he looks them through,
Crushes the vile despotic crew,
And Pride in ruin lays.