In a dark cave below The conqueror does throw His miserable vanquish'd foe. Deep is the dungeon where that wretch is cast, Thither day comes not nigh; Dampish and nasty vapours do him blast, Yet still his heart is high. His prison is so strait He cannot move at will; Huge chains oppress him with their weight, Yet has he courage still. And can I think I want my libertee, When in such thrall he keeps his mind so free? It shall not be: No, no; The sailor I'll outgo, The soldier, slave, and vanquish'd foe; When others rage, I'll think how I am tost; The seaman in the main, The naked slave shall, i' th' most piercing frost, Make me bear any pain. The march I'll call to mind, When weary, and get wings: Lest I should think myself confin'd The pris'ner freedom brings. Whene'er restraint, or grief, or fear, or cold, Tempt me, these thoughts will then my mind uphold. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE GARDEN OF LOVE, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE ON THE ORIGIN OF EVIL by JOHN BYROM TO THE REPUBLIC by JAMES GALVIN TO CONSTANTIA, SINGING (1) by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY AN ATHENIAN GARDEN by TRUMBULL STICKNEY PRAYER OF COLUMBUS by WALT WHITMAN |