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Home > Authors Index > Browse all available works of Emma Lazarus > Text of Defiance

A poem by Emma Lazarus

Defiance

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Title:     Defiance
Author: Emma Lazarus [More Titles by Lazarus]

"Conquer the gloomy night of thy sorrow, for the morning greets thee with laughter.
Rise and clothe thyself with noble pride,
Break loose from the tyranny of grief.
Thou standest alone among men,
Thy song is like a pearl in beauty."


So spake my friend. 'T is well!
The billows of the stormy sea which overwhelmed my soul,--
These I subdue; I quake not
Before the bow and arrow of destiny.
I endured with patience when he deceitfully lied to me
With his treacherous smile.


Yea, boldly I defy Fate,
I cringe not to envious Fortune.
I mock the towering floods.
My brave heart does not shrink--
This heart of mine, that, albeit young in years,
Is none the less rich in deep, keen-eyed experience.


[The end]
Emma Lazarus's poem: Defiance

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