Poetry: Seeking Independence For The Captives

Ö thou! whose presence wem beforc Our fathers in their weary way, As with (hy chosen mov'd of yore The fire by night - tbe cloud by day! When, from each templo of the free, A nntion's songascends toHeav'n, Most Ho!y Faiher! unto thee, May not our hunible pray'r be giv'n? We thank thee. Fatlier!- liill and plain Around U3 wave their fruits once more, And cluster' d vine, áhu blossonrd grain, Are bending round each cottage door; - But oh! for ihoée th3 day oan bring, NtJt, as to iis, the jöyful thrill; For thoFC; who. undeir freedom's wings, Are bound in siavery's fetters still: - For those, to whom the living word Of light and love is never giv'n: For those, whose ears have never heard "fhe promisc and the hope of heav'n: For brokfin heart, and clouded mind, Whereon no human rnercies fall; Oh! be thy gracious love inclin'd, Who, as á Fatherj pitiest all. And grant, O Faiher! that thé timö Of Earth 's deüverance may be nearj When every land, and tongue, andclime, Thé message of thy love shall hcar, When smitten, as wiih hïe fiom Heav'n, The captive'schain ehali sink in ditst; And tó hisfetter'd soul be giv'h The glorious freedöm of the just.