Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/68

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And which our native country's mighty breath
Since then has fanned into a conscious truth.
Self-government—the capability
To rule as well as to be ruled,—that is
The only true and safe palladium
That guarantees a stable permanence
Of peace and freedom and prosperity.
Self-government—that is the corner-stone
On which alone a State can safely rest,
From which it draws, as from a root of life.
Strength to withstand misfortunes, storms and wars.
Self-government—that is the magic wand
Through which each one's peculiar gifts and powers
Are instantly aroused and reared and turned
Into a boon and benefit for all.
Self-government—that is the fount of youth
Through which each day a land is born anew,
And shielded 'gainst the stagnant influence
Of ruling classes and monopoly.—
Hence when this new-awakened strife of passion
Gives way before our reason's calmer sway,
Let us select from every town and borough
Such men as most deserve our confidence,
To meet in council, to review our wants,
And to propose their well-considered plans
For our acceptance or rejection. So
We shall avoid the cliffs of anarchy.
And safely reach the haven of ordered state.