Sonnet — The Ship of State
Here lie the peril and necessity
That need a race of giants—a great realm,
With not one noble leader at the helm;
And the great Ship of State still driving high,
’Midst breakers, on a lee shore—to the rocks.
With ever and anon most terrible shocks—
The crew aghast, and fear in every eye.
Yet is the gracious Providence still nigh;
And, if our cause be just, our hearts be true,
We shall save goodly ship and gallant crew,
Nor suffer shipwreck of our liberty!
It needs that as a people we arise,
With solemn purpose that even fate defies,
And brave all perils with unblenching eye!
Charleston Mercury.