Fitz-Greene Halleck

I cannot spare the luxury of believing that all things beautiful are what they seem.

I cannot spare the luxury of believing that all things beautiful are what they seem.

Thy voice sounds like a prophet's word;
And in its hollow tones are heard
The thanks of read more

Thy voice sounds like a prophet's word;
And in its hollow tones are heard
The thanks of millions yet to be.

Strike--for your altars and your fires;
Strike--for the green graves of your sires.
God--and your native land!

Strike--for your altars and your fires;
Strike--for the green graves of your sires.
God--and your native land!

There is an evening twilight of the heart,
When its wild passion-waves are lulled to rest.

There is an evening twilight of the heart,
When its wild passion-waves are lulled to rest.

They love their land, because it is their own,
And scorn to give aught other reason why;
read more

They love their land, because it is their own,
And scorn to give aught other reason why;
Would shake hands with a king upon his throne,
And think it kindness to his majesty.