Samuel Kettell, ed. Specimens of American Poetry. 1829.
By Lines on Frederic the GreatNathaniel A. Haven (17901826)
Frederic le Grand.
A
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?
What lofty hopes my beating heart inspire?
Why do I proudly spurn inglorious rest,
The pomp of wealth, the tumult of desire?
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?
Presenting scenes of splendor, yet to be;—
Great God, thy word directs the lofty soul
To live for glory, not from man, but thee.