Classic Poem

I AM free as the mountain breezes wild,
My sable plume that wave;
And my heart is as gay as the heart of a bird,
And my spirit is bold and brave.

My trusty sword, like a faithful friend,
Hangs glittering at my side;
And I steer my bark with a daring hand
O'er the breast of the furious tide.

I love to look on a frowning sky
When the vivid lightnings flash;
And the tempest shrieks at the dead of night,
And the rolling thunders crash.

I have stood on the deck of my noble craft,
And watched its shattered sail;
I have seen its mast in pieces dashed,
Hang shivering in the gale.

But think ye my cheek was pale with dread,
Or my blood grew cold and chill?
There was music for me in the mad wind's mirth,
And my heart beat fearless still.

I have stood in the battle's foremost ranks,
When the booming shots came fast;
And the light grew dim in the warrior's eye,
And the valiant were breathing their last.

I never quailed 'neath a tyrant's glance,
A slave I have scorned to be;
They have sought my life, they have sought in vain,
I am free—I am free—I am free!