Although beyond the eternal snows, aspires <br />The vast-winged eagle still to loftier air, <br />That nearer to the sun in blue more clear <br />He may renew his eyeball's splendid ires. <br /> <br />He rises. Sparks in torrents he inspires. <br />Still up, in proud, calm flight, he glories where <br />The storm breeds lightnings in its inmost lair; <br />Whereat his wings are smit by their fierce fires. <br /> <br />With scream, in waterspout borne whirlingly, <br />Shriveled, sublimely tasting flame's last kiss, <br />He plunges to the fulgurant abyss. <br /> <br />Happy he who, for Fame or Liberty, <br />In strength's full pride and dream's enrapturing bliss <br />Dies such undaunted, dazzling death as this.<br /><br />Jose Maria de Heredia<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/death-of-the-eagle/
