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