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Thus always to tyrants.
This is of course, state motto of Virginia. But here is a curious, although sincere, example of using Latin in English poetry:
Sic Semper Tyrannis"
By E. H. O. Clark."
Sic semper tyrannis," vile southron?
You murdered your own truest friend!
And may God now have pity for traitors —
Man's patience has come to an end!"
Sic semper tyrannis," 0 madman?
He marshalled to freedom a race!
He led us to battle with tyrants;
To dare look the right in the face!"
Sic semper tyrannis" assassin?
Behold a whole nation in black!
And hark to the curse of its millions
That rumbles along your track !"
Sic semper tyrannis,"— O Heaven !
That motto for slavery's knife;
While died the great servant of freedom,
As martyrdom sainted his life !
Sic semper tyrannis,"— God help us
To bear it — the deed and the loss;
The crime that has scarcely been mated
Since Jesus was nailed to the cross!"
Sic semper tyrannis"— Our Father
In Heaven, we swear unto Thee,
Once more over him thou hast taken,
All men shall be equally free!
Troy Daily Times, Sat., April 22d, 1865
I was very surprised that this phrase is also the motto of Allentown, PA. Some serious investigation into the history of this quiet town is required...