Freedom
Of old sat freedom on heights,
The thunders breaking at her feet :
Above her shook the starry lights :
She heard the torrents meet.
Then stept she down thro' town and field
To mingle with the human race
And part by part to men reveal'd
The fullness of her face.
Her open eyes desire the truth.
The wisdom of a thousand years
Is in them . May perpetual youth
Keep dry their light from tears;
That her fair form may stand and shine,
Make bright our days and light our dreams,
Turning to scorn with lips divine
The falsehood of extremes !
Alfred, Lord Tennys
Of old sat freedom on heights,
The thunders breaking at her feet :
Above her shook the starry lights :
She heard the torrents meet.
Then stept she down thro' town and field
To mingle with the human race
And part by part to men reveal'd
The fullness of her face.
Her open eyes desire the truth.
The wisdom of a thousand years
Is in them . May perpetual youth
Keep dry their light from tears;
That her fair form may stand and shine,
Make bright our days and light our dreams,
Turning to scorn with lips divine
The falsehood of extremes !
Alfred, Lord Tennys