An Appeal to the American Republic

Priestcraft and tyranny in this defeat Shake, and the walls of hell with fear resound ; The sun laughs gladlier on the heavier wheat, Because the fates must weave a winding-sheet At last for Fear. Deliverers are found Who will deliver. Mountain, stream, and brake, Lone wood, and sleepy lake, Are peopled with bright shapes that sing for freedom’s sake. Rocks, and pale fountains, and tall trees that quiver, And all the clouds that deck the sunset sky Move like the music of a mighty river Where ripples break, and rapids gleam and shiver, And calm rebuilds her empire bye-and-bye. For joy of this alliance all the earth Forgets her day of dearth, In her new birth forgets, and maddens into mirth. The stars swing censers of pale gold to God, Whose incense is the love-song of the free ; Angels with mercy and with beauty shod Move in the mazes of an Eden, trod Not by the seemly spirits of the sea, But by brave men built wholly of desire And freedom’s mystic fire, To clothe its habitants with glorious attire. 6