I. WHAT though the sky be clouded o'er, And Heav'ns influence smile no more? Though tempests rise, and earthquakes make The giddy World's foundation shake? A gallant breast contemns the feeble blow Of angry Gods, and scorns what Fate can do. II. What if alarums sounded be, And we must face our enemy, If cannons bellow out a death, Or trumpets woo away our breath! 'Tis brave amidst the glittering throng to die, Nay, Samson-like, to fall with company. III. Then let the swordman domineer, I can nor pike nor musket fear; Clog me with chains, your envies tire, For when I will, I can expire; And when the puling fit of Life is gone, The worst that cruel man can do, is done. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE COAT OF FIRE by EDITH SITWELL THE FRIEND OF HUMANITY AND THE KNIFE-GRINDER by GEORGE CANNING SONNET: DEATH-WARNINGS by FRANCISCO GOMEZ DE QUEVEDO Y VILLEGAS THE TENT ON THE BEACH: 11. ABRAHAM DAVENPORT by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER |