 | The Views and Meditations of John Brown |  |
At Harper's Ferry Just Before the Attack.
1
The hour, the spot, are here at lastTheir purpose, cause and hope we know,
Our duty is to hold on fast
To all the vows we made before.
2
To such as yield to our demandFor freedom here and everywhere,
In homes of safety let them stand
And all their household comforts spare.
3
Those who refuse us or resist,Be as it may by words or arms,
Enroll their names on death's black list
To meet their dooms at war's alarms.
4
The blood that must be shed to-nightCan never stain the name we bear,
We fight for God's own holy right
Which is to all mankind so dear.
5
Virginia robbed it from a raceFor over two sad hundred years,
Abused and kept it in disgrace
Regardless of entreating tears.
6
Those ancient tears rejoice to seeThis retributive night's advance,
While Negro blood to you, to me,
Is crying aloud for vengeance.
7
Around us stand with cheering handThe ghost of every Negro dead,
Each blesses the freedom we demand
Each bids us press with zeal ahead.
14
8
Angels rejoice with gladness, too,While round the throne on high they stand,
To see poor mortal men pursue
The common foe of God and man.
9
Though we are few in numbers nowWe trust the promise Jesus made,
That where a few for good shall bow
His spirit will be there to aid.
10
The saints are singing music sweetAll around the heavenly strand,
To see us here as Christians meet
To help and save our brother man.
11
Oh! Saviour, Angels, Saints, look onWhile we the fathers will obey,
Befriend and comfort them that morn
And in the dust their burdens lay.
12
We open war at once to-nightAnd liberty for all proclaim,
We'll lead from darkness unto light
The weak, the poor, the blind and lame.
13
Before to-morrow's sun displaysIts golden colors in the East,
We'll wake slaveholders in amaze
To breakfast on a bloody feast.
14
My brothers what a holy warIn which we all will soon engage,
It will assert free equal law
Against the tyrants of the age.
15
The broken heart, the tearful eyesThe cheerless face none sought to please,
Will ere the morning sun arise
Have symptoms of a time of ease.
16
The runaways in forest wildsAnd children sold to foreign shore,
Will soon return with happy smiles
To see their parents, friends, once more.
17
The screws, the lashes and the houndsShall no more glut off Negro blood,
Our forward march, our bugle sounds,
Will scatter them as by a flood.
15
18
Husband and wife, daughters and son,Forever more shall ne'er be sold,
Together they shall live as one
Till choice or Heaven breaks the fold.
19
The fertile earth shall no more yieldHer fruits for unrequited toil,
The riches of the harvest field
Must be for him who tills the soil.
20
Ye children all of Africa“Possess your soul” and weep no more,
This night will force America
To grant you all you asked of yore.
21
The laws of God your rights ordainWe are the instruments they send—
To cut your way, to break your chain,
And ages long of troubles end.
| The Views and Meditations of John Brown | |