Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LIBERTY FOR ALL, by WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LIBERTY FOR ALL, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: They tell me, liberty! That in thy name
Last Line: And, by a mighty hand, the oppressed he yet shall save!
Subject(s): Brotherhood; Fourth Of July; Slavery; Social Protest; Independence Day; Serfs


THEY tell me, Liberty! that in thy name
I may not plead for all the human race;
That some are born to bondage and disgrace,
Some to a heritage of woe and shame,
And some to power supreme, and glorious fame:
With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base,
And, as an equal brotherhood, embrace
All people, and for all fair freedom claim!
Know this, O man ! whate'er thy earthly fate --
God never made a tyrant nor a slave:
Woe, then, to those who dare to desecrate
His glorious image ! -- for to all He gave
Eternal rights, which none may violate;
And, by a mighty hand, the oppressed He yet shall save!





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