To One 'Ashamed of Being an American'

You hang your head? Alas, then, for the land
That still must shift without your meed of pride!
Yet those there be who neither blush nor chide,
Yea, and high-hearted ones are they, who stand
Erect, elate, for all that mercy’s hand
Pours forth unmeasuring where need has cried,
The while our state, by sneer and taunt defied,
From peace elects to take the stern command.

Beware, O friend misprising, lest too late
You shake your spirit free to bear its part
In all the mighty motions that await
The calm republic holding at its heart
The veriest good for all the sons of men —
Life, under law, for each free citizen!