VAIN FREEDOM.
SO I am free whom Love held thrall so long! Now will I flaunt my colors on the air, And with triumphal music scale heaven's stair, Till all those shining choirs shall hush their song, And hark in silent wonder to the strong, Compelling harmonies that boldly dare To soar so high, and make the blest aware That, free like them, I stand their ranks among.
Nay! but my triumph mocks me, — chills the day: Bound would I be, and suffer, and be sad, Rather than free, and with no heart to ache. Strong God of Love, still hold me in thy sway! Give back my human pain; let me go mad With the old dreams, old tortures, for Love's sake.