Chapter VII

I saw the star of Bethlehem--
I heard the angels sing;
I saw the manger and the Christ--
The great and goodly king.

I saw the Cæsar in his Rome--
Who raised her towers on high;
She raised those towers aloof from earth,
She rose, and but to die.

Then passing in the flight of years
I saw Napoleon’s day;
I saw the time when he did rise,
And when he fell away.

I saw the hero, Washington,
Who for his country fought.
“I’ll free my country from her bonds,”
That was his only thought.

I’ve known more things than history--
And if I brought to light,
These things ’twould make the stoutest heart
To start aback with fright.

I’ve witnessed murders never seen
By any human eye;
I’ve seen the very best of men
By violence to die.

I’ve touched the knife that did the deed;
I’ve kissed the brow in vain;
No sign of life upon the face,
So dark and black with pain.