Sonnets and canzonets / A. Bronson Alcott [electronic text]

"Who faithful in insane sedition keeps, With silver and with ruddy gold may vie."

TYRTÆUS.

XXIII.

'T WAS 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.