Skip to content
1868–1950

FRANCE

Edgar Lee Masters

France fallen! France arisen! France of the brave! France of lost hopes! France of Promethean zeal! Napoleon's France, that bruised the despot's heel Of Europe, while the feudal world did rave.

Thou France that didst burst through the rock-bound grave Which Germany and England joined to seal, And undismayed didst seek the human weal, Through which thou couldst thyself and others save —

The wreath of amaranth and eternal praise! When every hand was‘ gainst thee, so was ours. Freedom remembers, and I can forget:— Great are we by the faith our past betrays,

And noble now the great Republic flowers Incarnate with the soul of Lafayette.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
FRANCE · Edgar Lee Masters · Poetry Cove