The Power Of Armies Is A Visible Thing

Composed 1811.--Published 1815

One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty."

The power of Armies is a visible thing,[A] Formal, and circumscribed in time and space; But who the limits of that power shall trace Which a brave People into light can bring Or hide, at will,--for freedom combating By just revenge inflamed? No foot may chase, No eye can follow, to a fatal place That power, that spirit, whether on the wing Like the strong wind, or sleeping like the wind Within its awful caves.--From year to year Springs this indigenous produce far and near; No craft this subtle element can bind, Rising like water from the soil, to find In every nook a lip that it may cheer.

VARIANTS:

1827.

... and place; 1815.

1827.

... can trace 1815.

1827.

... can chase, 1815.

The word "fatal" was italicised in the editions of 1815-43.