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Home  »  Specimens of American Poetry  »  Nathaniel A. Haven (1790–1826)


Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Samuel Kettell, ed. Specimens of American Poetry. 1829.

By Lines on Frederic the Great

Nathaniel A. Haven (1790–1826)

  • —“Apres ma mort, quand toutes mes parties
  • Par la corruption sont aneanties,
  • Par un meme destin il ne pensera plus!”
  • Frederic le Grand.

    • ARE these the dictates of eternal truth?

    These the glad news your boasted reason brings?

    Can these control the restless fire of youth,

    The craft of statesmen, or the pride of kings?

    Whence is the throb that swells my rising breast,

    What lofty hopes my beating heart inspire?

    Why do I proudly spurn inglorious rest,

    The pomp of wealth, the tumult of desire?

    Is it to swell the brazen trump of fame,

    To bind the laurel round an aching head,

    To hear for once a people’s loud acclaim,

    Then lie for ever with the nameless dead?

    Oh no! far nobler hopes my life control,

    Presenting scenes of splendor, yet to be;—

    Great God, thy word directs the lofty soul

    To live for glory, not from man, but thee.


    Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD