To show the eagle's power and might,

With wings unfurled and stiff;

And at that dizzy height survey

The sea and land without dismay,

Till weary, sink at close of day

Upon thy mountain cliff:

And there secure from all the world,

Nestle, with plumed wings closely furled

That sustained thee and o'er earth whirled

Thee with a haughty air.

Ambitions would disturb thy dreams,

The night air shudder with thy screams,

And like the human soul that teems

With vain-glorious care,

Thy heart would ache, thy soul would long,

To move the world, to sway the throng,

Or be the hero of the song

Of some great epic pen.

[Pg 58]

'Tis well O bird that thou art free

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