When I Have Borne In Memory

WHEN I have borne in memory what has tamed Great nations; how ennobling thoughts depart, What men change swords for ledgers, and desert The student’s bower for gold,—some fears unnamed I had, my country!—am I to be blamed? Now, when I think of thee, and what thou art, Verily, in the bottom of my heart Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed. For dearly must we prize thee; we do find In thee a bulwark for the cause of men; And I by my affection was beguiled: What wonder if a Poet now and then, Among the many movements of his mind, Felt for thee as a lover or a child!