TO THE REV. HUGH STOWELL BROWN.
“What does it matter what I think? I do not think it
matters to any one on this side of the Atlantic, or on the other
side.”—Vide his speech in the Amphitheatre.
No matter what you think? Great matter, Brown!
The lowliest man by casting in his thought
Works some change in the universal lot,—
And your own thoughts have leaven'd half the town.
From single thoughts our liberties come down.
A nation's throes are shared, her fields half fought
By what free nations think of them. Deem not
All impotent the inward cheer or frown:
For, like the electric flash, men's thoughts go forth,
Powers to their brother men, though seas apart.
Freeman! in yonder West thy thought is worth
A strong right arm. Give it, whoe'er thou art.
Who knows how much the weakness of the North
Is due to free old England's lagging heart!
