O LIBERTY, yet build thee an august And best abode in this most virgin clime; The Old World yet, power-trampled to the dust, Hath never known thee in thy perfect prime! Seeing all Rule which at a given time Expires not, as reposed in Public Trust, And thence renewable but by Suffrage, must Against thee in its nature be a crime! Seeing that all not privileged to name Their governors—and more, to govern too, Choosing or chosen, but live unto thy blame! That all are slaves in act who may not do Whate’er is virtuous and in spirit who Believing aught dare not avow the same! |