Had bowed beneath the chains they scarce could bear,
        Till Freedom’s lightning on their minds did flash,

       And roused them as a lion in his lair
        Is roused when foes invade it, then, with strength

       Near superhuman, one bold effort made
        To break their cruel bondage, till at length

       Beneath their feet they saw their fetters laid. 
    ’T was then they lifted their freed hands on high,
    And peans loud and long resounded through the sky. 
        Up, up they came, and still the bannered host

       Far in the distance met my wondering eye;
        On hill and dale, on all New England’s coast,

       White banners waved beneath a cloudless sky. 
        The aged sire leaned on his oaken staff,

       Manhood stood up in all its strength and pride,
        And youth came dancing with a joyous laugh,

       With woman, lovely woman, at their side;
    Bright eyes, glad hearts, and joyous souls, were there,
    Free as the light that shone, unfettered as the air. 
        The mind, that spark of Deity within

       That hath its nurture from a higher world,
        No longer bound by tyranny and sin,

       Beheld its highest, noblest powers unfurled. 
        No more did Error bind it to its creed,

       Or Superstition strive to blind its sight;
        It followed only where God’s truth did lead,

       And trusted him to guide its course aright. 
    The inner as the outer man was free,
    And both united held this glorious jubilee. 
        —­’T was all a vision, and it passed away,

       As dreams depart; yet it did leave behind
        Its deep impressions, thoughts that fain would stay

       And hold communion with the tireless mind. 
        I wished that it were real; alas!  I heard

       The clank of Slavery’s fetters rend the air;
        And feelings of my heart were deeply stirred,

       When I beheld my brethren, who dare
    Proclaim all “equal,” yet in chains of steel
    Bind men, who, like themselves, can pain and pleasure feel. 
        God in his wisdom meant all should be free,

       All equal:  each a brother unto man. 
        Presumptuous mortal! who His great decree

       Durst strive to change to suit thy selfish plan! 
        Know thou that his fixed purpose will be done,

       Though thou arrayest all thy puny strength
        In war against it!  All who feel the sun

       Shall own his goodness, and be free at length. 
    God cares for mortals, though he reigns on high;
    Freedom is His own cause, and it shall never die! 
        My country! if my heart one wish doth hold,

       For thee and for thy good, it is that thou
        No more permit thy children to be sold!