 | The Repeal of the Missouri Compromise |  |
But several obstacles intrude,
Which are of no small magnitude,
And lie directly in the way
Of Freedom's unrestricted sway,
Which must destroy her every hope
And drink her lofty spirit up.
And these same obstacles, which rise
Pure Freedom's arm to paralyze,
Tend to establish Slavery's power,
And hasten on the gloomy hour
When Slavery, like a sable pall,
Shall over all Nebraska fall.
The planters who the West encumber
Draw lands according to the number
Of the forlorn and wretched slaves,
Who will enrich the lordly knaves.
Besides what Government allots,
The master may, whene'er he votes,
Take of his human chattels ten
And make six Anglo-Saxon men.
And surely those who hold the land,
With numerous votes at their command,
Will by their wealth and influence rise,
And honest poverty despise.
Which are of no small magnitude,
And lie directly in the way
Of Freedom's unrestricted sway,
Which must destroy her every hope
And drink her lofty spirit up.
And these same obstacles, which rise
Pure Freedom's arm to paralyze,
Tend to establish Slavery's power,
And hasten on the gloomy hour
When Slavery, like a sable pall,
Shall over all Nebraska fall.
The planters who the West encumber
Draw lands according to the number
Of the forlorn and wretched slaves,
Who will enrich the lordly knaves.
Besides what Government allots,
The master may, whene'er he votes,
Take of his human chattels ten
And make six Anglo-Saxon men.
And surely those who hold the land,
With numerous votes at their command,
Will by their wealth and influence rise,
And honest poverty despise.
| The Repeal of the Missouri Compromise | |