Thou who didst dare th’ unknown, precarious sea,
And down the unbounded winds adventurous roam,
Searching the world's horizons for a home,
A haven for the heart of liberty:—
Boaster of freedom, found no longer free,
What vaporous phantom from time's ocean-foam
Blurs the translucence of th’ eternal dome
Where sang the burning stars that beckoned thee?
Thy heart hath caught the siren's doom-sweet cries,
And sips oblivion at fond Circe's nod.
Oh! for a seer whose soul is lightning-shod,
To stand imperial‘ gainst th’ impervious skies,
As Lincoln stood, with brave heaven-gazing eyes,
To appeal from guile's impermanence to God!