Reaction

Let us, dear friend, in mutual strength arise Against our tyrant Custom, and demand Free souls and bodies at our own command. Let us defy the vulgar world's surprise, Scorn brute convention and soft compromise, And, bold in proud revolt, and hand in hand, Cast in our lot and take our fearless stand With the unsafe, improper, and unwise. Let us abjure the comfortable creeds Approved by prudent minds, and revel free In foolish thoughts and inexpedient deeds; — For thus alone can life for you and me Out of this suffocating sloth revive, And our small spark of good be kept alive.