O LIBERTY, yet build thee an august <br />And best abode in this most virgin clime; <br />The Old World yet, power-trampled to the dust, <br />Hath never known thee in thy perfect prime! <br />Seeing all Rule which at a given time <br />Expires not, as reposed in Public Trust, <br />And thence renewable but by Suffrage, must <br />Against thee in its nature be a crime! <br />Seeing that all not privileged to name <br />Their governors—and more, to govern too, <br />Choosing or chosen, but live unto thy blame! <br />That all are slaves in act who may not do <br />Whate’er is virtuous and in spirit who <br />Believing aught dare not avow the same!<br /><br />Charles Harpur<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/my-political-belief/
