William Wordsworth

Eagles

DISHONORED rock and ruin! that, by law
Tyrannic, keep the bird of Jove embarred
Like a lone criminal whose life is spared.
Vexed is he, and screams loud. The last I saw
Was on the wing; stooping, he struck with awe
Man, bird, and beast; then, with a consort paired,
From a bold headland, their loved eyrie’s guard,
Flew high above Atlantic waves, to draw
Light from the fountain of the setting sun.
Such was this prisoner once; and when his plumes
The sea-blast ruffles as the storm comes on,
Then, for a moment, he in spirit resumes
His rank ’mong freeborn creatures that live free,
His power, his beauty, and his majesty.