Liberty for All

by William Lloyd Garrison

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!

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