Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/142

130 Cyclopian strokes the brutal allies give:
 * Their fetters massive and their dungeon walls;

Beneath their yoke, weak nations cease to live,
 * And valiant Right itself defenceless falls!

Defaced is law, and justice slain at birth;
 * Good men are broken—malefactors thrive;

But, when the tyrants tower o'er the earth.
 * Behind their wheels strong right is still alive!

Alive, like seed that God's own hand has sown—
 * Like seed that lieth in the lowly furrow.

But springs to life when wintry winds are blown:
 * To-day the earth is gray—'tis green tomorrow

The roots strike deep despite the rulers' power.
 * The plant grows strong with summer sun and rain.

Till Autumn bursts the deep red-hearted flower,
 * And freedom marches to the front again!