Liberty for All

They tell me, Liberty! that in thy name I may not plead for all the human race; That some are born to bondage and disgrace, Some to a heritage of woe and shame, And some to power supreme, and glorious fame: With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base, And, as an equal brotherhood, embrace All people, and for all fair freedom claim! Know this, O man! whate’er thy earthly fate— God never made a tyrant nor a slave: Woe, then, to those who dare to desecrate His glorious image!—for to all He gave Eternal rights, which none may violate; And, by a mighty hand, the oppressed He yet shall save!

Collection: 

More from Poet

  • Written While in Prison for Denouncing the Domestic Slave-Trade HIGH walls and huge the body may confine, And iron gates obstruct the prisoner’s gaze, And massive bolts may baffle his design, And vigilant keepers watch his devious ways; But scorns the immortal mind such base control: No...

  • High walls and huge the body may confine, And iron grates obstruct the prisoner’s gaze, And massive bolts may baffle his design, And vigilant keepers watch his devious ways: Yet scorns the immortal mind this base control! No chains can bind it, and no cell enclose: Swifter than light, it flies...

  • They tell me, Liberty! that in thy name I may not plead for all the human race; That some are born to bondage and disgrace, Some to a heritage of woe and shame, And some to power supreme, and glorious fame: With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base, And, as an equal brotherhood, embrace All...