’ Twas when the land was struggling to break free
From Slavery’ s fetter and provincial ban,
Whilst a great people dreaded liberty,—
That the dire conflict of thine age began.
Thy voice rang clear o’ er selfish sect and clan;
Nor politician’ s, priest’ s, nor tradesman’ s plea
Did aught avail to quench, but more to fan
The flame that must consume all slavery,—
The serf then franchised and proclaimed a man.
Long wast thou heard amid the scoff and scorn
Of voices potent in thy city dear;
Steadfast didst face the storm, with heart of cheer,
And prove thyself the freeman nobly born,
Preacher of righteousness, of saints the peer.