 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
288
On The Nebraska Bill
An Eden land, an Eden in the west,Where once the Indians roamed erect and free;
Where now their few and weary tribes find rest,
Shall it be blasted, cursed by Slavery?
Our plighted faith to the red man was given,
That there should be the asylum of his race;
Our vow to Afric's sons is writ in heaven,
And shall we thus fair Freedom's name disgrace?
O plant not then the poisonous upas there,
Nor heed the subtle serpent's guileful speech;
Bur rather bid all races come and share,
And Freedom's Gospel to the nations teach;
That unborn millions there may learn its name,
And the glad tidings through the world proclaim.
Poem No. 46; 27 February 1854
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