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1849–1916

I

James Whitcomb Riley

‘ Stir all your echoes up, O Independence Bell, And pour from your inverted cup The song we love so well.

‘ Lift high your happy voice, And swing your iron tongue Till syllables of praise rejoice That never yet were sung.

‘ Ring in the gleaming dawn Of Freedom — Toll the knell Of Tyranny, and then ring on, O Independence Bell.—

‘ Ring on, and drown the moan, Above the patriot slain, Till sorrow's voice shall catch the tone And join the glad refrain.

‘ Ring out the wounds of wrong And rankle in the breast; Your music like a slumber-song Will lull revenge to rest.

‘ Ring out from Occident To Orient, and peal From continent to continent The mighty joy you feel.

‘ Ring! Independence Bell! Ring on till worlds to be Shall listen to the tale you tell Of love and Liberty!’

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I · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove