Till loomed to wistful eyes this waiting land, Spreading with wing-like continents[29] afar, As if to welcome worlds. The Chaldean band The Northland chose, lured by a favoring star, For South, as North, of human soul was bare. But liberty loves most a northern zone, 1570 Where nature's ramparts e'en 'gainst nature's war Put forth protection. Liberty alone Mahonri's realm[30] might rule--no king, no crown, no throne. Still, mighty spirit, thou art manifest! What creed or clan shall win Columbia's crown? Though freedom weep, by anarchy opprest, Hesperia's face reflect Europa's frown, Sceptered religion ne'er shall tread men down. Belief and unbelief here find one plane, That freedom's greater cause[31] be not o'erthrown, 1580 But spring and spread till every tongue maintain The kingdom of the King whose throne all worlds sustain. Here dawns that universal liberty-- Theme of the prophet tongue, the poet pen-- When, winged with power and crowned with purity, Earth shall be heaven, and gods shall dwell with men; Fraternity divine, that e'er hath been, And e'er shall be, the blissful lot of those Who, conquering self, bind Satan, fetter sin, And soar beyond the reach of mortal woes, 1590 Rising to sainted heights, as all past Zions rose[32]. Till then no king upon this crownless land, Reserved to freedom and to righteousness. 'Gainst her none prosper, lifting hostile hand. Blest haven, fortressed by God's mightiness[33]! Kingcraft and priestcraft plant their sure distress. The past hath spoken--heed the warning tone: Of pride beware, and baser sordidness-- Self's groveling tyranny, with heart of stone, Whereby, in ages gone, this land did grieve and groan. 1600 "Give us a king[34]!" their cry, when power had come, When wealth was massed, and men were multiplied; "A king! A king!"--vibrant the echoing dome From northern lake to gulf and ocean tide; For Satan in their hearts had planted pride. Grieved was the nation's wise and watchful sire; Grieved was the faithful kinsman at his side; From eyes of both shot gleams of righteous ire, As voiced ambitious will its ominous desire. They sighed: "This leadeth to captivity-- 1610 Perchance destruction, ending dark and dire. Yet must we yield to human liberty Its own, e'en though a brand from freedom's fire Kindle for freedom's self the fatal pyre." So saying, they anointed one their king Who craved the crown, by patriot son and sire Put by in pure denial, lest it bring First care, then crime, and waken woes then slumbering.