THERE is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear <br />Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall, <br />Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall: <br />'Tis his who walks about in the open air, <br />One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear <br />Their fetters in their souls. For who could be, <br />Who, even the best, in such condition, free <br />From self-reproach, reproach that he must share <br />With Human-nature? Never be it ours <br />To see the sun how brightly it will shine, <br />And know that noble feelings, manly powers, <br />Instead of gathering strength, must droop and pine; <br />And earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowers <br />Fade, and participate in man's decline.<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/there-is-a-bondage-worse-far-worse-to-bear/
