Poems Written During the Progress of the Abolition Question In the United States/Songs of the Free
SONG OF THE FREE.
'Living, I shall assert the right of Free Discussion; dying, I shall assert it; and should I leave no other inheritance to my children, by the blessing of God I will leave them the inheritance of free principles, and the example of a manly and independent defence of them.'—Daniel Webster
Pride of New England!
Soul of our fathers!
Shrink we all craven-like,
When the storm gathers?
What though the tempest be
Over us lowering,
Where's the New Englander
Shamefully cowering?
Graves green and holy
Around us are lying,—
Free were the sleepers all,
Living and dying!
Back with the Southerner's
Padlocks and scourges!
Go—let him fetter down
Ocean's free surges!
Go—let him silence
Winds, clouds, and waters—
Never New England's own
Free sons and daughters!
Free as our rivers are
Ocean-ward going—
Free as the breezes are
Over us blowing.
Up to our altars, then,
Haste we, and summon
Courage and loveliness.
Manhood and woman!
Deep let our pledges be—
Freedom forever—
Truce with Oppression,
Never, oh! never!
By our own birthright-gift,
Granted of Heaven—
Freedom for heart and lip,
Be the pledge given!
If we have whispered truth,
Whisper no longer;
Speak as the tempest does,
Sterner and stronger:
Still be the tones of truth
Louder and firmer,
Startling the haughty South
With the deep murmur:
'God and our Charter's right,
Freedom forever—
Truce with Oppression,
Never, oh! never!'
