 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
Philanthropy Before Nationality
Upon the Rights of Man, at first, was builtThis free Republic, which our fathers planned;
For these, at first, their precious blood they spilt,
Though they its meaning failed to understand.
But wider still expands their mighty thought,
Raising from bondage e'en a subject race;
What to themselves, at first, but freedom brought,
Gives to the slave at length a name, and place!
But still through blood and strife the boon we gain
Against Ambition, Pride, and lust of Power;
Which on man's limbs would rivet still the chain,
When long ago has struck the appointed hour;
And Liberty proclaims throughout the earth,
That all are free and equal in their birth.
Poem No. 755; c. 20 September 1862
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |