University of Virginia Library

A Prayer for the Slave.

Oh, may the slave, who daily groans
Beneath oppressions iron rod
Who daily feels the lash, and moans,
Have freedom blessed of God.
Angels of the celestial band,
Come visit earth in trains,
And loose the fetters of the hand!
Which bears oppression's chains.
Proclaim that all men shall be free,—
Nor freedom's blessings lack,
No matter of what clime they be,
Nor whether white or black.
Waft the glad tidings o'er the land,
Through the loud trumpet's mouth;
Liberty to the fettered band,
From north to farthest south.