Before thy throne we boast the name
Of Freemen:-God, thy frown is just.
Immortals, break your bonds of shame!
Arise, inebriates, from the dust!
Slavery and death the cup contains;
Dash to the earth the poisoned bowl!
Softer than silk are iron chains,
Compared with those that chafe the soul.
Hosannas, Lord, to thee we sing,
Whose power the giant fiend obeys.
What countless thousands tribute bring,
For happier homes and brighter days!
Thou wilt not break the bruised reed,
Nor leave the broken heart unbound:
The wife regains a husband freed!
The orphan clasps a father found!
Spare, Lord, the thoughtless, guide the blind;
Till man no more shall deem it just
To live, by forging chains to bind
His weaker brother in the dust.
With nature's draught your goblets fill,
And pledge the world that ye are free!
God of eternal truth, WE WILL!
Our cause is thine, our trust in thee!
John Pierpont
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymn-of-the-emancipation/
