The Complete Poetical Works of John Greenleaf Whittier/Hymn sung at Christmas by the Scholars of St. Helena's Island, S. C.
HYMN
SUNG AT CHRISTMAS BY THE SCHOLARS OF ST. HELENA’S ISLAND, S. C.
[Written at the request of the teacher, Miss Charlotte Forten, now Mrs. Grimké.]
Oh, none in all the world before
Were ever glad as we!
We ’re free on Carolina’s shore,
We ’re all at home and free.
Thou Friend and Helper of the poor,
Who suffered for our sake,
To open every prison door,
And every yoke to break!
Bend low Thy pitying face and mild,
And help us sing and pray;
The hand that blessed the little child,
Upon our foreheads lay.
We hear no more the driver’s horn,
No more the whip we fear,
This holy day that saw Thee born
Was never half so dear.
The very oaks are greener clad,
The waters brighter smile;
Oh, never shone a day so glad
On sweet St. Helen’s Isle.
We praise Thee in our songs to-day,
To Thee in prayer we call,
Make swift the feet and straight the way
Of freedom unto all.
Come once again, O blessed Lord!
Come walking on the sea!
And let the mainlands hear the word
That sets the island free!