II
'Tis Wilson takes God's flame from Lincoln's hand.
This Princeton man,—who has outgrown the prince,
A hundred years, and, in the ocean since,
Seen with delight, Eternity expand
And loom in glory from the despot's strand,—
Shapes fourteen dazzling bolts without a wince.
He pauses. Why not hurl them and convince
The world that, hence-forth, not one thrall shall stand?
What! Wilson's arm lacks strength to hurl the flame,