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AMERICA. 257 



LESSON 116. 



America. 



Here the free spirit of mankind at length 

 Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place 

 A limit to the giant's unchained strength, 

 Or cilrb his swiftness in the forward race. 

 For, like the comet's way through infinite space, 

 Stretches the long untravell'd path of light 

 Into the depths of ages : we may trace, 

 Afar, the brightening glory of its flight, 

 Till the receding rays are lost to human sight. 



Europe is given a prey to sterner fates. 

 And writhes in shackles ; strong the arms that chain 

 To earth her struggling multitude of states ; 

 She too is strong, and might not chafe in vain 

 Against them, but sliake off* the vampyre train 

 That batten on her blood, and break their net. 

 Yes, she shall look on brighter days, and gain 

 The meed of worthier deeds ; the moment set 

 To rescue and raise up, draws near — but is not yet. 



But thou, my country, thou shalt never fall, 

 But with thy children — thy maternal care, 

 Thy lavish love, thy blessings shower'd on all — 

 These are thy fetters — seas and stormy air 

 Are the wide barrier of thy borders, where 

 Among thy gallant sons that guard thee well, 

 Thou laugh'st at enemies : who shall then declare 

 The date of thy deep-founded strength, or tell 

 How happy, in thy lap, the sons of men shall dwell. 



Bryant 

 22* 



