LXXII. Say, has our Capital no tarpeian height[8] From which to hurl the traitor? Standing now, Where once he stood, in patriotic might, With the fresh laurel wreath upon his brow, And Freedom burning on his lip of flame; Does Pity plead forgiveness for his shame? Then bear him thence, like Manlius, and be just-- Or go to Vernon's shade, and desecrate its dust. LXXIII. Soon must I mingle in the wordy war, Where Knavery takes in vice her sly degrees, As slip, away, not guilty, from the bar, Counsel, or client, as their Honors please. To breathe, in crowded courts, a pois'nous breath-- To plead for life--to justify a death-- To wrangle, jar, to twist, to twirl, to toil,-- This is the lawyer's life--a heart-consuming moil. LXXIV. And yet it has its honors; high of name And pure of heart, and eloquent of tongue, Have kindled, there, with a most holy flame, While thousands on their glowing accents hung! And be it mine to follow where they've led, To praise, if not to imitate, the dead-- To hail their lustre, like the distant star Which the sad wayworn bless, and follow from afar. LXXV. My friends! how often, in our social talk, Have we called up these names of spell-like power, As, arm in arm, we took the friendly walk, Or lingered out the evening's parting hour-- Or met at the debate, with joyous zest, To test our strength, and each to do his best; While pun and prank we gaily gave and took, With friendship in each heart and pleasure in each look. LXXVI. I recollect it well, and lov'd the time, When we were wont to meet: when last we met, I parted from you for this western clime, With the deep feeling never to forget. In the quick bustle of the busy throng, I feel that I shall miss ye, O! how long! The generous hearts who mann'd my spirit on-- Who sooth'd me when I lost, and cheer'd me if I won.[9] LXXVII. Away! why should I muse in unsooth'd sadness! While the gay sky is smiling upon earth, Like a young mother, o'er her infant's gladness, Blessing the early promise of its birth. The opening day-dawn breaks along the land, Like glorious FREEDOM, as her hopes expand; While the far mountains tower to meet the glow, The altar fires are lit, burning on all below.