Sonett-Forum

THE GUILTLESS PRISONER.

Prisoner ! within these gloomy walls close pent —
Guiltless of horrid crime, or venial wrong —
Bear nobly up against thy punishment,
And in thy innocence be tall and strong !

Perchance thy fault was love to all mankind ;
Thou didst oppose some vile, oppressive law ;
Or strive all human fetters to unbind ;
Or wouldst not bear the implements of war : —

What then ? Dost thou so soon repent the deed
A martyr's crown is richer than a king's !
Think it an honor with thy Lord to bleed,
And glory 'midst intensest sufferings !
Though beat — imprisoned — put to open shame —
Time shall embalm and magnify thy name !