University of Virginia Library

At length the war assumes a phase,
Though long apparent, oft denied:
We speak it in the nation's praise—
The land they never can divide.
Therefore this fact should none surprise—
If Slavery lives, the Union dies;
And if the Union's e'er restored,
'Twill be when Freedom is secured;
And liberty, man's rightful due,
Is not proscribed by grade nor hue.
Hence he that would avert the doom,
And rescue from sepulchral gloom
His freedom, must, with sword in hand,
March 'gainst the slavery of this land.