Sonnet
To the Friends of the Anti-Slavery Cause in America
By Bernard Barton
"Liberty's Bell" hath sounded its bold peal
where Man holds Man in Slavery! at the sound --
Ye who are "faithful 'mid the faithless found!"
Answer its summons with unfaltering zeal.
Let Freedom's banner to the winds reveal
A Star more bright than all that yet have crowned
Your country's flag, for you to gather round
With higher, holier hopes for human weal!
Your Cause must triumph: is triumphant now,
In countless votaries, daily, hourly won
To swell your ranks! -- doubts and misgivings shun;
Lift up in hope, to heaven, an unbleached brow,
And utter in its face, your fearless vow,
That Liberty's behests shall all be done!
Woodbridge, Suffolk, England
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