 | Household Verses |  |
112
SONNET,
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE ANTI-SLAVERY CAUSE IN AMERICA.
“Liberty's bell” hath
sounded its bold peal
Where man holds man in slavery! at the sound,
Ye who are faithful 'mid the faithless found,
Answer its summons with unfaltering zeal!
Let Freedom's banner to the winds reveal
One star more bright than ever yet hath crowned
Your country's flag! for you to gather round
With higher, holier hopes for human weal!
Your cause must triumph; is triumphant now,
In countless votaries, daily, hourly won
To swell your ranks; doubts and misgivings shun:
Lift up in hope to heaven an unblenched brow,
And utter in its face your fearless vow,
That Liberty's behests shall all be done!
Where man holds man in slavery! at the sound,
Ye who are faithful 'mid the faithless found,
Answer its summons with unfaltering zeal!
Let Freedom's banner to the winds reveal
One star more bright than ever yet hath crowned
Your country's flag! for you to gather round
With higher, holier hopes for human weal!
Your cause must triumph; is triumphant now,
In countless votaries, daily, hourly won
To swell your ranks; doubts and misgivings shun:
Lift up in hope to heaven an unblenched brow,
And utter in its face your fearless vow,
That Liberty's behests shall all be done!
| Household Verses | |