 | The poems and prose writings of Sumner Lincoln Fairfield |  |
“Crime? that the name of Liberty should be
The burning heart's perpetuated curse!
Oh, what can thrive in thraldom but revenge!
The thong, the goad, the brand of shame—the sense
Of ignominy, dreading to uplift
Its startled eye—what should they bring? and what
Must be the fruits of such a poison tree?
Condition is but chance, and none are born
With manacles upon their limbs! most crimes
Corrupted power makes such, and men submit
Because Despair hath forged the tyrant's chain.
The unjust laws of violent men are crimes,
Treasons to kingdoms, blasphemies to heaven;
And they, who willingly obey such laws,
Should share the punishment of them that made
God's creatures slaves to Devils. This is crime!”
The burning heart's perpetuated curse!
Oh, what can thrive in thraldom but revenge!
The thong, the goad, the brand of shame—the sense
Of ignominy, dreading to uplift
Its startled eye—what should they bring? and what
Must be the fruits of such a poison tree?
Condition is but chance, and none are born
With manacles upon their limbs! most crimes
Corrupted power makes such, and men submit
Because Despair hath forged the tyrant's chain.
The unjust laws of violent men are crimes,
Treasons to kingdoms, blasphemies to heaven;
And they, who willingly obey such laws,
Should share the punishment of them that made
God's creatures slaves to Devils. This is crime!”
| The poems and prose writings of Sumner Lincoln Fairfield | |