Rienzi, The Last of the Tribunes

What once was worth
The sacrifice-
The eagle's crest
Has need for claws
And eaglets crave
The taste of blood
Before their wings
May steer their flight
(This was the lesson
We have learned
From the ages when
Our temples burned.)

Rienzi rose from bitter days,
The taste defeat brings
On his tongue-
So sway the people,
Bring them hence,
Have need of claws
To make them strong.

Yet not to war
On brother bands:
He brings you hence
To make you one.
Keep out the folly
From our folk,
Have need of blood
To keep us strong.

What once was true
In freeman's hearts
Will cross the land,
Abide in peace,
And such a peace,
It's price in union.
He saw the dream
Take flight again.

Too late, Rienzi,
Regard your tribe:
The slaves grown used
To chains of shame.
You give them strength
But weak arms waver,
Honor dies
And villains breed.

And though the eagle
Finds the sky,
So many wait
To still his wings.
Too late to turn
Against the wind.
The temple burns
A second age.