^miE iFwo-ir^ii^riig. Pai/e 63. / STAR 'I EMANCIPATION •' 111 all liiings that have l)eaulj, thero is nothing to man more 'omeiy than Liberty." — Milton. BOSTON : FOR THE FAIR OF THE MASSACHUSETTS FEftlALK EMA^X1PATI0^• SOCIF.Tr. 1 84 1 . )y74 JOHN PUTNAM, PRINTER, CORNHILL. 1898 PREFACE Our " Star of Emancipation " appears before the public with no great pretensions. We do not intend to vie with Virgil or Shakspeare in point of plot or tragedy, but we are assured that the sentiments we utter in the item of Practice, (which, by the way, in these days of Theory, is one of no small importance,) contain far more of truth and value, and of that which Longfellow tells us Life is, — Reality, than much of the wri- tings of either of the above personages. With what degree of brilliancy our Star shines forth, is left for the reader to decide. That Star which has guided, and we hope will still guide many a refugee to Victoria's dominions, is not IV PREFACE. • •nc of the first magnitude. In its posiliou and stdhilihj consists its merit. il" our " Star" shine from the j-ight point in the iiiMial heavens, and with a certain lijjrht, thoutrh it be not one of tiie first magnitude, it serves the end at whicli we aim, — the deliverance of* the hound. With this single object in view, we com- mend its pages to the friends of humanity. In behalf of the Massachusetts Female Eman- cipation Society, THE COMPILER^. ALL SPEAK OF THP^K. Inscribed on every tree With branches waving free, On clifts far reaching, lone, On every little stone, On Ocean's vasty deep, Where low the mermaids sleep, - On monsters huge and dread, Who make the sea their bed, — On little fish that blink Along the river's brink ; — On every little rill. Whose kiss revives the hill, Where springs the gentle flower. That blossoms for an hour ; — On every living thing. With fin or spangled wing, — On every bird that flies With one, or thousand dyes, From her who sits bald, throned. With blood red beak alone. To the sweet nightingale VI INTRODUCTION. In grove or love-lit vale, — On every odorous breeze Lingering among the trees, — On every little fly, That flits before the eye ; — On every sparkling star That speaks to us from far, E'en from the distant gleam Of Mercury's moony beam. Whose car all brilliant flies On errands through the skies ; — * On every secret thought By Inspiration wrought, Yea, on God's spotless throne, Dazzling with light its own. Heaven and all earth can see Inscribed, — Liberty ! FELICIA. Boston, Sept. 1841. * The rapidity with which Mercury flies is so great (more than 100,000 miles an hour) that the Grecian Astronomers considered it the messenger of the gods, and hence the)* represented it with wings at its head and feet, from which is derived the character used to represent it. CONTENTS. All Speak of Thee, 6 The Western Stars, 9 Where is the Captive's Home ? 13 The Stranger, jg "Open thy Mouth for the Dumb," 19 Oppression, 21 An Appeal to America on Behalf of the Slave, . . 23 Persevere, 25 Song of the Ransomed Captive, 26 Sycophancy, 28 Liberty, 29 The Fugitives, 37 The Refugee Mother in Canada, 69 Mary S. Parker, 74 Stanzas, Suggested by the Death of Mary S. Parker, 77 Letter from Thomas Clarkson, 80 The Fugitive's Welcome, 83 Mind is Free, 85 Compassion, ....,., 86 VI 1 1 CO N T E N T S . The Slave Auction, 87 Lines to Thomas ClarUson, Esq., ,92 Lines, Addressed to the American Delegates, ... 93 Slavery, 94 The Liberty Banner, 97 To Joseph Stnrge, Esq., 100 The Ballot Box, , .... 102 The Freed Captive, 104 Stanzas, to the Women of Great Britain, . . . .106 STAR OF EMANCIPATION. THE WESTERN STARS. 15 Y G . B . H L M E S , " L' esprit des temps rejoint ce que la mer sipare, *' Le titre de famille est ecrit en tout lieu. ''L'homme n 'est plus francais, anglais, romain, barbare, " II est concitoyen de 1 'empire de Dieu ! '* Les neurs des nations s' ecroulent en poussieres, " Les langues de Babel retrouvent 1 ' unite, " L ' Epangile refait avec toutes ces pierres " Le temple de 1 ' humanite ! " A. DE Lamartine. The stars — the stars — the glorious stars ! There's not a cloud their beauty mars, As, onward, beaming love and light. They wander through the *' stilly night." But what are ye, embanner'd there, In constellation bright and fair ? 10 TIIC WESTERN STARS. \oung Freedonrs stars ! alas ! ye wave In mockery o'er yon fetler'd slave ! For this did countless millions j)Oiir From free Britannia's distant shore ? Did this her injured sons beguile From green li-rne's sorrowing isle ? It could not and it must not be, The world proclaims that Afric's free. .Sons of the West ! on bended knee, Their rights, as men, your captives crave, And must the astonish'd nations see That Freedom's home is Freedom's grave ? Sons of the West ! I see again O'er broken chains your banner move, Meet emblem of yon glittering train, That sparkles with eternal love ! Are they not men, the sv/arthy hosts That teem on Afric's burning coasts ? And they, where sunbeams dimly glow, The stunted, fur-clad Esquimaux ? Are they not men, that noble race Your thirst for gold would fain efface ? Oh, let them in their woods he free, The Seminole — the Cherokee ! THE WESTERN STARS. i { Say, where are they, when first he came, Who joy'd in ''Father Ona's" name; — Who cahM iheu' own '' Great Spirit," Sire ? Ye drown'd them in your "liquid fire"! And Niagara's deaPning spray Demands in thunder — where are they ? Sons of the West ! we all must die ; We all must meet before the throne Of Him, whose everlasting eye Can pierce the human heart alone. He saw your ill-starred vessel roam O'er ocean with yon trembling slave ; He saw you, when ye made the home The red man gave your sires, his grave ! That other world — tremendous thought ! It comes to all, howe'er unsought ; And there the slave and tyrant meet, As equals, at the judgment seat. Yes, they shall rise before you then. That countless host of murderM men. And ill your cow*ering glance shall brook On their accusing eyes to look. Repent, repent and stretch the hand Of Freedom o'er yon western land. 12 THE WESTERN STARS. Go, bid the woos of A Trie cease. Go, let the red man dwell in peace. Then, wash ye in the healing flood Of Jesus' all-atoning blood. vSons of the West ! I see again O'er broken chains your banner move. Meet emblem of yon glittering train That sparkles with eternal love ! It comes — it comes — that holy hour f Let earth's enfranchised sons rejoice. Triumphant in their infant power ; Let universal Freedom's voice Proclaim that not a shadow mars The glory of yon Western vStars ! Horsham, fEng.J Will mo. 23d, 1840. WHERE IS THE CAPTIVE'S HOME ) ,] WHERE IS THE CAPTIVE'S HOME ? BY C . L . NORTH, A noble dome, alone It stood, The home of wealth and pride — The price of trade in human blood, Of wo and misery wide. The brilliant light now streaming far Eclipsed the starry ray, x\nd Fashion's throng were gathered there — The lovely and the gay. Soft music rose upon the air A sweetly plaintive tone, All hung upon the voice and lyre, — Their sound was heard alone. Beneath the same blue sky that smiled Upon that thoughtless train, There wandered forth Oppression's child And caught the melting strain. She had not learned to feel by art And weep at music's swell, But Nature gave a feeling heart And she obeyed the spell. 14 U'lir.Ri: IS TIIK CAPTIVr/S home^ The plaintive sons; tliat inct her ear Could touch a chord within, And ' home, sweet home ' called forth a tear It fell by all unseen. ' Where is my home '7 ' the captive sighed, ' Where is that spot so dear ? 'Tis not in all tliis land abroad My home, — it is not here. I know this land is passins; fair, But 'tis not dear to me ; While slavery's galling chain I wear, My home it cannot be. There is a land, a far-off land Where once my fathers dwelt, I've learned to love it — Afric's strand, A child's devotion felt. I hail the sun, the king of day, I watch the stars of heaven, [ love the moon's pale silver ray At quiet hour of even ; T love the clouds, the sky of blue, And ocean's ceaseless tide, What e'er belongs to Afric too Is to my heart allied. WHERE IS THE CAPTIVE'S IIOIME ? j And yet I would not seek that shore, Or if I there could roam There's none to make me welcome there, 'T is not, 't is not my home. " I have no home," the captive sighed And sought her cabin door, ' No home,' the murmuring breeze replied. An exile evermore. There is on earth not one dear spot Oppression's child may love ; O, who shall raise her drooping thought To find a home above ! Lowell, Oct. 1841, IG THE STRANGER THE STRANGER. BY L A U K I L L A A I. E R Y L A , Stranger is a holy name: Guidance, and rest, and food, and fire, In vain he never must require. Walter Scott The name of "stranger" is indeed "a boh name." All ages have respected it. All na- tions honored it. The Barbarian dare not re- ject the "stranger." He will receive him to his hearth, and though he be an enemy, he will protect him as a household god. The savage in liis little hut receives the stranger, even though he be the white man that has robbed him of his lands and is destroying his nation. He kindles for him his fire, he gives him food, and spreads for him his softest furs. " Fly far " said the Moor, as he led his horse to a fugitive whom he had sheltered; "fly far while the night can cover you. Your pursuers are in my house, you are the murderer of my son, but you have asked of me protection, and I dare not betray you." "I THE STRANGER. 17 was a stranger and ye took me not in," is one of the dreadful condemnations to be heard from the throne at the day of judgment. Is there in this wide world so lone a "stran- ger," so destitute a being, as the escaping slave ? The world is new to him — he looks around — trembling he looks, and sees in ev^ery tree his master's form, and hears in every breeze the driver's lash. The tiger has his den, the bear his hollow tree, but where can this poor "stran- ger" lay his head ? To the North star he turns as to his God, and thither bends his feeble steps. Fainting with hunger, and benumbed with cold, he begs for food and shelter. Who will refuse to aid the pleading slave ^ Who will turn him from his door ? A Northern laborer ! Warm in his pleasant cottage, reared with his well paid wages, a Northern laborer will drive the perish- ing bondman back into the howling wilderness ! But who is there that will betray him ? His manly limbs are galled with slavery's chain, his noble form is bent with slavery's yoke, his bleed- ing feet deformed with slavery's fetters ! Who is the wretch that dare betray him ? A JsTorthern yeoman ! Free as the mountain breeze himself. 18 THE STRANGER. rejoicing in his liberty, protected in his rights ; a Northern yeoman will betray the wretched slave ! Is there a nation where the free winds blow, and where the rain of heaven descends, — a nation where the bright sun shines, and where the beauteous earth spreads fordi her fruits, that dai'e refuse protection to this "stranger?" There is such a nation — and that nation is America ! The beacon light of liberty is blazing on her mountains, the joyful shouts of freedom rising from her vallies, but she will seize the escaping bondman, chain him again and send him back to slavery ! Oh what an act is this, to take the helpless " stranger" and give him up a bound and trembling victim, into the hands of his enraged and lawless master ! ! It is a deed of horror ! Such are thy trophies, slavery ! and such the offerings thy votaries must lay upon thine altar ! Thy morning and thy evening sacrifice is human blood! Thy victim is the guiltless "stranger!" Glastenbury, Conn., 1841. OPEN THY MOUTH FOR THE DUMB. ly ''OPEN THY MOUTH FOR THE DUMB." Written under an Autograph of Capt. Charles Stuart. BY SARAH DYMOND. Brother, I will ! — that charge shall be A sacred Tahsman to me ; Nor doubt shall check, nor coldness steel My heart against that warm appeal, But in and out of season still The outraged slave my lips shall fill, With argument to rouse the bold To active zeal, to warm the cold, The apologist of crime to shame, By mention of thy stainless name. That name which o'er the Western wave Speaks hope and comfort to the slave. Yes, Stuart, yes, thy name shall be A sacred Talisman to me ; Whether amid Canadian snows, Thy care shall soothe the Negro's woes, When faint and worn, the Refugee • To thy protecting care shall flee. 20 OPEN TliV MOUTH FUR THE DUMB. And find bcneaih Victoria's sway, Safety by iiiglit and jieace l)y day : Or, when amid the recreant band Of freedom's sons, tliy foot shall slaiid On bright jlissouri's rolling tide, Or by sweet Susquehanna's side, Thy lips of love shall intercede For him who cannot, must not plead. Friend of the slave! thy charge shall be A sacred Talisman to me, My mouth shall "open for the dumb" Till Freedom's glorious moi-n shall come ; My daily orison shall be, Lord, let the slave at length be free ! Nor till in death these lips shall close. Will I forget the Negro's woes. But breathe like Fox, life's latest prayer, " Spare Africa, the negro spare ! " Taunton, (Eng.) Jan. '2oth, 1841. OPPRESSION. 21 OPPRESSION. Suggested by seeing a colored Minister of the Gospel insult- ed in a stage coach. BY A . B . God of the comfortless ! O, cast around These stricken ones, the arm invisible Of thy protective care, nor let the scorn, The cold contempt, the bitter, burning hate Which day by day is heaped upon them, Tarnish their souls, or cause them to pervert The ways of righteousness. O holy One, Are not their souls thine own ? are they not bound To thee by ties indissolubly strong ? Thou God of woman born, whose very visage Was more marred through earthly hate than all the sons Of men, are not these parts of thine own self? Are not thy heart-strings twined around their souls^ And enters not the sword into thy soul, Whene'er disdainful man spurns at thine image And would trample in the dust thy priceless Jewels ? Omnipotent Jehovah, say, 2 22 OPPRESSION. Are lliey nni thine offspring ? Dwell not tlieii guai'dian Angels, ever in thy presence, and speed They not as gladsomely on their bright wings, To bear balm to the breast of those on whom Afric hath poured its noon-tide rays, as those Who 're fanned by gales swept from New Eng- land's forests ? Dwells not the good Spirit as lovingly Within the bosom of the swarthy race ? AVhispers he not as sweet his heavenly Consolations to the Ethiop's heart, With joy unspeakable his ravished bosom Filling ? 'T is even so ; — and when heaven's Vast battalion shall stand in glorious Triumph all revealed, none will more beauteous Shine, than those who meekly for his dear name Endured the cross, trampling upon the shame. Content to be e'en «5 their Master was, Despised, and reckoned among menial things ! AN APPEAL TO AMERICA. 23 AN APPEAL TO AMERICA ON BE- HALF OF THE SLAVE. BY T. WALLACE, Pastor of the Congregational Church, Petersfield, (Eng.) Land of the lake and river, Land of the mountain-range, To all thy fame and glory Our mem'ries are not strange ; We know thy skies are splendid. We know thy sons are brave, And yet, our hearts are saddened, Because thou hast the Slave! Thy children fought with valor. To burst a galling yoke, And never ceased exertion. Till all their chains were broke ; — And yet, in many cities. And States thy waters lave. Thou boldest fast the captive, And grindest down the Slave. 24 AN APPEAL TO AMERICA. Thy churches tower in greatness, And in their splendor rise, And millions hymn the Saviour Before thy wondering eyes ; And still though Christ brings freedom, And rescues from the grave. Thou canst forget the negro, And pitiest not the Slave ! Oh, Christians ! Christians ! in that land Of power, and wealth, and light. Take care your glory is not quenched. Your day be changed to night. Arise — arise — without delay. While you have time to save, Break every negro's chain apart, And cry— "God bless the Slave!" Aug, Uth, 1841. PERSEVERE. 25 PERSEVERE. BY T . WALLACE American abolitionists ; cease not your prayers and vigorous endeavors ; you may, and will have, in the prosecution of your noble efforts, nume- rous difficulties and trials to realize. Still, heed them not. Persevere in the spirit of energetic and believing prayer, and you must conquer at last. Your cause is that of justice, humanity, benevolence, and religion. Go on, then, widi courage and fearlessness ; the God of love is with you ! He will not suffer your efforts to prove abortive. Petersjield, (Eng.) Aug. i4th, 1841. 2* SONG OF THE RANSOMED CAPTIVE. SONG OF THE RANSOMED CAPTIVE. BY MARIA HAZELTON. 1 feel it ! I feel it ! I sure can tell, For over my spirit there comes a spell, A spell that entrances my very frame, A spell close linked with Freedom's name. She came to my ear and whispered peace, She said to my heart, ''thy mourning cease," And my soul looked up, though wild with fears, And poured her thanks in gushing tears. They told me oft that I should die. Nor see the hour for which I sigh, And my spirit sank within my breast Like a wounded bird that knows no rest. O gather me not with the dead, I cried, O lay me not by the valley's side. Till my soul hath caught a glimpse of thee. Thou goddess fair of Liberty ! She came ! She came ! and my spirit free Like an uncaged bird in rapturous glee. SONG OF THE RANSOMED CAPTIVE. 37 Speeds merrily on each passing day, While heaven attests my grateful lay ! Count me not maddened, — though thus I sing. My soul hath drank at Freedom's spring, And I feel it, I feel it, my very soul O'erflows with a tide that mocks control ! 28 SYCOPHANCY. SYCOPHANCY. BY DANIEL O ' C O X N E L , M , P . For the City of Dublin. Within that land was many a malecontent Wlio cursed the tyranny to which he bent ; That soil full many a cringing despot saw, Who worked his wantonness in form of law London, March 9, 1841. LIBERTY. 29 LIBERTY. Comely art thou, O Liberty! BY J. P. BISHOP. Yes, thou art comely, Liberty ! arrayed In rich attire, adorned with costly gems, The gold thy pavement and thy walls of pearl, — Thy votaries, the great, the proud, the gay ; E'en then thou'rt comely, and thy radiance shines All beauteons o'er the splendor and the pomp That clothe thy person and attend thy state ; For thou art lovely, so that naught can share Thy beauty quite, nor all suppress thy charms. But thou art lovelier when a simple robe Is girded gently round thee, in thy hand Some wild flower from the tuneful streamlet's verge. And by thy side some true friend with true heart Guileless and warm, and pure, and unsuborned ; — Oh! thou art lovely then, comely and fair As fabled nymph in some wild bower of wood, Or Beauty's self with tresses all unbound x\nd the soft wind's kisses on her dewy cheek. 30 LIBERTY. I love thee, Liberty ; thou art my joy, My song by day, I dream of thee by night. I love thee ; yes — and press thee close, and still More close I press thee to this answering heart ; For as I gaze upon the world I see Full many a son of wretchedness and toil Who ne'er beheld thy face or saw thy smiles To love thee, or an "unrequited love" Preys on his spirits as the vultures do On carcasses of men in battle slain. How many sighs for thee this day ascend From yonder cane-fields, or those swamps of rice. Or where the cotton-gin with ceaseless play Tells of the unpaid toil and sweat of slaves ! How many from those cities' din, Orleans, Mobile, and Charleston, or that much loved spot Bearing the sacred name of Washington, Where thy own temple (all profaned I know) Lifts high its dome, and from out-stretching wing Extends the banner consecrate to thee, O'er auction-blocks where human bones and blood With swine and goats and rags and musty books, Co to the highest bidder, and are used As he may will lo use them ! Sighs I know Ascend from lone hearts for their loved ones torn LIBERTY. 31 Away, — sighs all for thee, O Liberty ! There is a mighty breath for thee; it comes Like the south winds, and on those south winds borne, From vale and nook and plain and river's side, And uttered by innumerable tongues. Say, wilt thou visit those lone bosoms, pour Thy joy within them, ravish with thy smiles Each heart, tune every lip to melody ? Go in thy homely garb and plain attire ; No pomp attend thee — Go, in simple mien. With graces all thy own; unlock those chains And let the captives rise ; unseal those lips And let the song of Jubilee come forth ; As when old Winter's crystal bands are broke From ice and mountain snow, and the soft spring With balmy influence swells the impetuous flood, Till all the vale is drenched, and the dark sea Rejoices with the inland tide ; — so full. So broad, impetuous, profound, so rushing forth To meet the ocean of eternal joy, So issuing from unnumbered sources, rise. The general chorus from the tongues of men New-born to all that has a charm for life. 32 LIBERTY. Renders it useful, or prcpaics it well To live again beyond the opening tomb. A nation in a day created new ! I know it shall be ; and the uprushing sound Of joy shall wake the heavenly organ then, And sweet the Anthem swell through all the stops Unnumbered deep in yonder Milky Way, Heaven's finger-board of stars, and through the vast, Unfathomed, twinkling, trembling sea around ! For when the earth was made, and on its soil Two human beings only stood, new-formed, When Music yet was young, and instruments Were not, the stars beholding sang together. And all the sons of God shouted for joy ; A purer, sweeter, higher strain, in tones More deep, more full, extending over shore More wide and far, shall sweep along the heavens. When countless men are jostled from the clods. And in their hearts far more of pleasure taught Already how to twine — pleasures of friends, Of father, brother, son — than Adam knew When all alone he stood beside his Eve, That one vine only coiling round his heart. LIBERTY. 33 Creation's highest, noblest work, was man. That only could awake the heavenly choir. But, Liberty, thou form'st at once a world Of men, full grown, with all the springs of life, And soul attuned to all its notes of love. Oh ! wilt thou hasten to yon pining slaves. And quickly touch their toil-worn, aching limbs ? Wilt thou unbind those fetters from the heart ? Give those chained spirits wing to fly away. Like the fledged bird, upon their own free thought.^ Restore that husband to the wife's lone bosom ? Yon stolen child to its grief-stricken father ? Mingle those brothers', sisters' joy again .-^ Return that bride to her own lover's arms ? Bid Sorrow cleanse her face, and Wo look up All beaming as the morn, and Joy leap forth. And Pleasure dance, like lambkins in the spring- time ^ Come, warble through those dungeon walls thy own Sweet notes of melody, till every door, Touched by the strain, turns soft on easy hinges. And every inmate drinks on thirsty lip Once more the light of heaven, and travels forth With thy own joy new rising in his heart. 3 34 LIBERTY. I do not ask iliy pomp, thy gay attire, Thy train of worshippers, thy wealth, thy fame, — For these are needless to the simple slave, So used to toil, nor taught the luxuries Of pampered life ; — but come in rural dress, Thy gentle looks soft beaming through the dew Fall'n in thy long night-watches, in thy heart All love, in manners all simplicity. Thy brow begirt with peace, and by thy side The implements of labor — not uncouth As slavery wields, but beautiful and light And polished and refined for the free hand. Such thou hast come to Britain's island slaves. To Mexico, and the far distant South ; Such did'st thou proudly visit his bright land L'Ouverture, when righteous war had drove Treacherous Invasion from his island shores ; Such shalt thou quickly pass to other isles In that delightful group, — and such, we trust, Shalt yet revisit this ungrateful land Of our forefathers, where thou did'st throw off Light bondage from the white man's shoulders, bid'st His heart leap up — that he might nerve it then With greater strength to crush the negro down. LIBERTY. 35 O turn not from us, for our sins, away, All guilty though we are, and black with crime ; But when thou free'st the slave, may we, too, stand Beside his manly heart, enjoy with him The precious boon, and with his soul rejoice. We trust, O Liberty, thy wave-washed foot Shall be permitted yet to press the soil Of that all sorrowing land, whose care-worn sons, Lo ! for "^ score of weary centuries. Have nourish'd every soil beneath the stars With tears, and filled each homeward breeze witli moans ; Whose own loved vales still echo to the sound Of the slave hunter's foot-fall, or the chase Of tribe for brother tribe, urged on by pelf Of Christian seekers for the souls of men. Yes ; so it shall be ; for 'tis written well That Afric yet shall lift her hands to God All penitent before him, when no more The deed of blood shall crimson her fair soil. Or chain be riveted on human limb. Or man start at a brother's voice, as hares When hounds pursue. Oh ! thou shalt then be there. And thou shalt linger long among those vales 36 LIBERTY. When once thy foot has jircssed them, and thy voice Sound sweet upon the breeze, untaught till then To waft a strain melodious as thine. Such, Liberty, tliou art, — all lovely nymph. All comely in thy person and attire ; Morn never shone so bright, so fair as thou, Nor half so welcome to the sons of men. Give me one kiss from thy warm lips, one smile. One token of thy love to me, — that kiss. That look, that emblem of affection, deep Shall lie all buried in this heart's warm folds ; No wealth can buy it, nought of love besides E'er win it, nought may drive it thence, no wave Of earthly passions wash it all away. THE FUGITIVES. 37 THE FUGITIVES. SCENE I. A CAROLINIAN PLANTATION. (Characters.) Malie, an aged woman, Ghestler, / ^^^ ^^^^ ZoNGOLA, r""' ""'^°' ). A group of slaves. loLA, a daughter, \ Carlos, afield slave^ J Bandaloz, the master. Ghestler. Come, come dear mother, look ye, the joyous Moon is up, and the old house clock, heedless Of our march, shows that the old sentinel Who watches vigilantly when night comes With its lone weary hours, wnll tell the tale Of our departure, — then, then dear mother. All is up with us and, and lola — O God protect her! lola, she will fall A prey to that hyena — Bandaloz. Malie. Speak yet more gently, Ghestler; for I fear Your words may fall upon some listening 38 THE FUGITIVES. Ear, and then we may find our miserable Forms upon yon trees, wlicrc others like us Seeking licaven's boon to enjoy, have been The gaze of many passers by. O Ghestler, Much my heart fails me ; but to-night I watched Yon star, and oft it seemed to talk with me And bid me hope that in that land where dwells No vile Bandaloz, I may rest myself And die in peace. Ghestler. {Looking wildly and listening,) Depart! — haste, quick, for lo, Bandaloz comes! [Exit Ghestler.] [Malie enters a low cottage where lies lola just waked from sleep.] fola. Mother, I've had sweet dreams To-night, — methought that we were in that happy Land of which Ghestler so often tells us, yes, The land where wakes no Bandaloz to fright Us evermore. But mother, shall we haste To-night, or shines the moon too brilliant now ? Zongola told me yesternight that ere The midnight hour should come, we'd gather up Ourselves, and guided by that star in yon Fair sky, speed us to the northern regions. THE FUGITIVES. 39 Where smiles all that is glorious, aye, all That is beautiful. Malie. Yes, yes my daughter, Ghestlcr has been here and bids us wait for him Ere twelve shall strike ; for he says Bandaloz Will be passing from the revel and you May then fall a prey to his foul passions, — And my child, thou knows 't I'd rather lay thee In thy grave quickly, and mourn, aye mourn till All my heart were gone, than cast thee forth to lead A life of infamy, howe'er thy beauty May attract the gaze of those around his board Who throng, and quaff the wine that turns to fierce Madness his every thought and look, lola, darling child! it is for thee That I will brave the dangers that attend A flight from this vile land of servitude. 'T would not be long ere my poor weary limbs W^ould find a grave beneath the sighing palm. Should I remain; but O for thee my heart Is wakeful ever, and the midnight hour Finds me upon my knees, beseeching heaven To compass thee around, to shield thy frail And delicate form from the touch of aught 40 THE FUGITIVES. That would contaminate, or bid depart The Holy Spirit from thy trembling souL lola, child, — fear not, you tremble, — strong Is heaven in the defence of innocence, Place there thy trust, and guardian angels Shall encompass thee. But 'tis eleven ; Soon Ghcsder and Zongola will be here. And we must not detain them, lest a worse Cup far than death should be dealt to us — Hark ! They come ; take now that parcel on the shelf And place it close in thy bosom ; O keep It near thy heart, for it contains a token Fair of thy own father's love, who sweetly Sleeps in yon lowly vale, and knows no more These griefs that throng around. [Eiiter Ghestler and Zongola.] Zongola. Come, mother, come, And dear lola you will go with me ; You, mother, with good Ghestler ; for he knows All the w^ild woods around us, and his arm Is strong for you to lean upon. The star shines Bright which is to guide us to the northern Skies, and the moon begins to hasten down Behind the hills. {lola iceeps.) Now, now lola, shame ; THE FUGITIVES. 41 Why do you weep ? You promised yesternight That you'd be strong and mind me all the way, And then you know I promised sacredly, To help you every hour, to carry You when weary. Come now, and do not fear. lola. Well, Zongola, I do know I promised You 'neath the shade of the old palm which rears Its lofty head close by the clustering Vines that I've so often tended, that fear Should not be found within my heart so long As God should strengthen me; but mother tells Me of the dreadful doom that may await Us should we be discovered, and my heart Does shake most fearfully ! Yet I forbear. 'Tis not that for a moment I would dwell Longer beneath this cot, but then the tears Will come gushing from my eyes, unbidden, When I think of — (/S/te pauses.) Zongola. Yes, yes, I see, I know, When you remember Carlos; but I saw Him ere the sun Vvas low, and he bade me Say farewell for him, and that soon he'd meet You by those northern streams whither we hasten. 45 THE FUGITIVES. lola. {Eagerly.) O, Zongola, did he say thus? Surely I had not thought that he were free from those Huge chains that clanked about his heel when last I gazed upon him from the door as he pass'd By. I did not dare to cast one farewell Glance, although my heart were nigh to breaking; For Bandaloz was near, and though he spoke No words concerning Carlos, yet methought He looked searchingly, as if he'd know why I pressed my side so fearfully, for much I trembled, lest he'd hear my heart's throbbings ! I feigned a smile, though I had well nigh fainted — But now I go, — I w^ill be strong, brother, I will be strong. Zongola. Do, do, lola dear. Ghestler. (Coming towards tJicm.) Hush children, — haste, it is no time to talk Of tears : soon the revel will be ended. And then Bandaloz, like a mad demon. Will be here to snatch from us lola ! This is the night he swore he'd make her his; And then no more shall we behold her form THE FUGITIVES. 43 Gliding among us; and her voice, sweeter Than music from the rich harp that's played Within the hall, be lost to us forever. But never shall he snatch that lamb away From the embrace of Ghestler. No, never; For I vowed when last I saw his cursed Hand smoothing her flowing hair, that never Should he see her more, save we were lying In one common grave. Come, dear mother, come; On let us pass, and bid adieu, a last Adieu to this vile sod. [ They all pass out.] SCENE II. THE WOODS MORNING. Zongola. Look, mother, look, lola sleeps ; gladly I look upon those lids so gently closed; For well I know her tender feet Are even now full weary of the way; But when again we journey, I shall take Her in my arms, and I know that Ghestler Will be kind to you and ease you onward. How I love to look upon her as she 44 THE FUGITIVES. Breathes so gently:— now she sighs, poor thing ! No douht her womanish heart is shaken By sad dreams, the fear that we may never Reach that stream which, crossed, will give us Freedom. Malie. No doubt, my boy, 'tis so, or else she fears The touch of Bandaloz; for daily did She weep, lest he might come perchance by night. While sleep dwelt heavy on me, and command Her to depart and dwell with him. Often When midnight frowned around us, hath she cried In dreamy agony, O save me, mother. For he comes, he comes ! but heaven protect Her now, nor e'er permit her innocence To pass away. Ghestler. You must be faint, my mother, A weary way we've come since twelve tolled On the air; — let us break our fast; see, here Is bread and a few berries that I've gathered While you slept for a short hour after our Journey. {Ghestler ivaiting.) You do not speak, my mother; are y ou sick ? THE FUGITIVES. 45 JMalie. No, no, my son, but heaven hath Dealt most kindly with us. Shall we not give Thanks ere we partake its bounties ^ Ghestler. {Looking thoughtful.) Give thanks Then, mother, if you will; but truly when I've stood beside my master's board — {he stops) — no, not My master's, but Bandaloz's board, and heard Mutter 'd those w^ords of grace, I've wondered much If there were any God, or, if a God, where Dwelt he, or, if he lived, were he aware Of the affairs of men ? Is he righteous. Mother ? if so, how reconcile you all Of deep, dark, damning sin that hath been wit- nessed By the gazing heavens upon that curs'd Plantation we have left ? If God be just And merciful, as you have often told, Methinks Bandaloz would less often crave His supervision ! Malie. Ghestler, not all who cry Lord, Lord, shall enter heaven ; many will 4 46 Tl"' FUGITIVES. Claim allinity with him, lo wliom he'll Say, Dcpjui, I know you not. That goodness Is his naiiiic; that his mercy aiul his love UnboiuKled flow, my heart attests. Ghestler, Cast ofi' that vile sLis[)icion of his justice. I know thy path hath hecn with perils rife, I know the hitter draughts, the scourgings vile. And all the woes strewed thick within ihy path ; Vet hath he not been merciful to thee ? Forgettest thou the hour they sold thy brother To a Georgian lord, and thou, my boy, Wast left by my entreaty ? Then thou did'st thank Heaven, and bore witness to the kindness Of his heart who heard my deep lamenting, And granted thee to sojourn near my shed ! O Ghestlcr, he is merciful, and much It pains my heart when my boy dares question His o'erflowing love. Ghestlcr. I would not pain thee, That lliou knowest well, my mother; I would To heaven that I could even now, shake Off each vestige of that unbelief clinging To my torn heart. But let us eat, only THE FUGITIVES. 47 Give us the blessing, mother. Zongola Come, and let Tola rest. Now we arc Ready. {They give thanks and eat.) tola. (Waking and looking round.) Ghesder, Shall we not hasten ? how the sun Pours down its rays, — the birds are out again, And O, I long to be fast hastening To that land where the sun of Freedom shines With mild, sweet beams, — Come, Ghestler, may we now Proceed ? Ghestler. We may not travel by the light Of day. lola. What, are we to remain till night Fall on us with its dim and sable hue ? Ghestler. Yes, we must venture forth only when night Shall cover us, and our guide appear. Ma. But, brother, much I fear we may not reach Where all is free, if we thus linger here. 48 THE FUGITIVES. Zungola. lola, Ghestler sure can icll when best It suits our safety; besides, Carlos hath Told us 'twere best to wait the guidance Of the star in the night heavens, than trust To the poor knowledge of which ue arc masters. lold. Yes, now T do remember what he said; But yet my eye so longs to view^ that land; My heart so leaps, e'en at the thought of rest, (That odier name for Freedom) that I would Hasten night and day, nor tire till touching That good shore. Now I bethink me, surely Carlos said he had not been detected In his flight had he but waited night-fall. We must, then, now take warning, lest perchance Our wanderings be discovered. I'm sure I'd rather die here in these lonely woods. Where the cool winds sighing their endless tale, Might tell that poor lola fled, and laid Her 'nealh their kindly shade. Yes, sooner would I die, than fall again into the hands Of Bandaloz ; for though he often said That you, dear mother, should not want for bread, Nor e'er be sold to labor for another, (Because of me,) I did not much beheve; THE FUGITIVES. 49 For well I knew he loved the cursed gold That's found in Georgian hands, and waited Only for a timely hour to cast you Forth, to die in lonesome wretchedness ! JMalie. 'Tis true, lola, true, my darling child ; He only waited for a favored hour To part us. Then no more should I hear those Words of cheer from that bless'd book, which oft hath Been my only solace. You, lola. He permitted to gain knowledge — knowledge. Which to me, and to your brother, he denied ; — You have read from out these holy leaves, words That have wiped the gathering tears away — And given such comfort to my stricken soul, As I believe none but the Holy One Could grant. Had'st thou departed, gone then were Every hope from this poor heart. But yet thou Liv'st to bless me, child; and though thy beauty May attract the gaze of some, to me thy Chief attraction is that filial love, that Deep hatred of whate'er contaminates, Taught by the blessed lips of him who bore 4* oO THE FUGITIVES. Our sins on Cahary's hill. 'Tis this, dear ( 'liikl, I trust, that liaili giv'n strength, jjurpose or soul to thee, and taught thy every thought To rise to Him who watches o'er thy path, Who though unseen, will guide thee to that shore Where Freedom smiles. Keep thou this book, (Giving her the Bible,) 'twill teach Thee more of heaven than yet thou know'st. Could I but read its sacred lines, how blest My soul. But soon I trust I shall behold All that is there revealed of those bright walls And mansions, fitted up for the abode Of souls who trust in Christ. loin. ^lothcr,' I trust You will live many years, to eat the bread And drink the cup of Freedom. Others who I. eft the sultry South, with more of hoary Age upon them, have sought and found with joy That goodly land. Ghestler. (Rising suddenly and listening.) lola, hush ! hark ! Sure amid the brush I hear strange trampling. Save us, O God ! they come ! Crouch, Zongola. THE FUGITIVES. 5I lola, breathe not, lest we die. — Heaven, High heaven be praised, they've passed and we Have not been seen. I saw Bandaloz foremost In the chase, and Carlos too was there. lola. Wliat ! Carlos with him ? How this ? You do amaze Me, — Ghestler, it could not be ! Ghestler. 'Tis even thus, Tola. Others too were there. Perchance They took him, hoping to obtain some track Of the wild haunts through which he journeyed When he sought to fly from their oppressions. tola. But. Ghestler, think you he would betray us, Should he chance to pass us ? Ghestler. I know not, dear lola. But do not fear, for they will Not pass this way as they return. Three moons Ago, poor Carlos fled, and when the hounds were With us, they lost track of him; and, passing O'er the river, we returned again. So will they do, if I judge rightly, now. 52 THE FUGITIVES. lint k't us rurllicr i^o into the woods, WIrtc \v(; may lie concealed till the dark night (J'crtake us — then will we hasten onward. Jlitlir. Do, do, dear Chestler; for my heart well nigh Had ceased its throbhings, when your words of praise Came to my low crouched ear. Sure It was meet, My first-born, that your lips should pour forth Praise to Him whose hand liath been a darkening Cloud before the eyes of our pursuers. What think you now, my Ghestler, of his Mercy ? Dare you farther question his kind Hand, displayed for our deliverance ? Ghestler. Enough, My mother, 'twas his love, his kindness all. That turned their feet from this our resting place; And never shall my lips forget their song, ( )r my heart fail to offer unto Him, Its homage reverent. Ikit we must haste, And seek a shelter in the forest woods. THE FUGITIVES. 53 SCENE III. A CAVE IN A DENSE FOREST. Ghestler. (Aside to Zongola.) Zongola, very much I fear that this Our toilsome way will fatal prove to our Good mother. Her hands are fevered, and her Brow is throbbing far too quick, for aught save Raging fever. She hardly spake the night Past; and the way to me seemed far more drear, Because she breathed no prayer — audible, I mean ; for though I think not much of prayer, A kind of feeling cometh over me When the name of Jesus is pronounced, which, To be honest now, I feel no other time. Zongola. Ah, yes, I too have w^atched her for three days More closely than before; and though I sought To hide it from lola, yes, and e'en Myself, I could but think that she were fast Weakening. When I spoke to her, she answered But in feeble tones, and in her words There seemed less of that ardor than was wont To bless our ears. Oh, should she not survive. 54 THE FUGITIVES. Clhcstler, how should wc comfort Tola? Sure she would wilhcr like a tender plant Snaj)|)ed from the stem that gave it nourishment. T^ut, (Jiicstlcr, it may lje only weai'iness; Can we not rest awhile and nourish her ? A stream is near at liand. I'll haste and bring Fresh water to bathe her limbs, and to refresh Her spirit. Ghcstler. Do it; but much I fear 'twill All be vain. This is the seventh night the stars Have seen us wandering forth in silence. When I carried her within these willing arms The night diat's fled, she wept, but spoke no words ; I feared to ask die cause, lest she should say What my heart dreaded. She clasped her with- er'd Arms around my neck, and wept profusely. Bitter and dreary were the hours that passed. I5ut yet she lives; and O, heaven grant she >ray not die, but live to be our comfort in that Longed for land to which we haste. [Exit Zongola.] THE FUGITIVES. 65 lola. Mother, are You awake? {Answering herself .) No, no, she sleeps. Ghestler, look ! How parched and fevered are her lips; I fear She is too weary with the tedious paths Through which weVe traversed, though full well I know You've carried her quite oft, and bore her through The tangled swamps, and tarried oftentimes That she might gain a little rest. But — peace Upon her rest ! Perhaps sleep will refresh Her spirit, and bring back her strength. Ghestler. {To himself.) Poor thing, her hopes, I fear, are idle dreams. [Zongola enter s.l Zongola. How is our mother ? has she not waked ? I feared she would be thirsty ere I found This shell in which to bring her drink. Here are Some berries, which perchance may strengthen her; 56 THE FUGITIVES. For sparingly hath food been given since Yesternight. fola. Dear mother, wake; for Zongola Hath brought you cooling drink, and berries fresh From the trees. jyialie. I see, my daughter. Ghestler, Raise me up, for I feel but poorly. Why I Is it morning ? or what time ? I surely Have been sleeping far too long — shall we haste ? I sec the moon, — Ghestler, is it time ? Ghestler. No, Mother, morn will soon be here; but we'll rest Ourselves till night shall find us. You were ill; And much we feared for you, lest overcome With weariness and the cold, chill night damps, You might find a grave within this dark And lonely forest. JMalie. Thank you, kind Ghestler; For I now remember that my poor heart Had the same fear, as sorrowful I laid Myself to rest upon these gathered leaves. THE FUGITIVES. 57 Again hath heaven been kmd, to guide our Footsteps to this shehcr. lola. Yes, mother, true — Heaven hath been kind to us; but now, eat I pray you, and refresh yourself. Zongola. (Aside.) She looks Much better, Ghestler, and I hope she will Recover, so that we may soon pursue Our route. lola will do well, for she Hath travelled far, though she could scarce for- bear To weep, as her feet bled profusely. Poor Child, how my heart bled for her, as she wiped The tears from her bright sparkling eyes, And tried to smile. I kissed her, but my heart Forbade the utterance of a word, lest I should weaken the strong purpose displayed In her more than earthly face, as she threw Back her long dark hair, and called upon high Heaven for further strength. O, Ghestler, much I wish we had the faith treasured within Her breast. It surely does support the soul Amid severest trial. 5 58 THE FUGITIVES. Glicstler. \cs, perhaps, 'Tis heaven supports licr — for far loo frail Were she, to bra\ e the storm we've passed, and those Chill nis^ht winds. But let us go and see If mother will not come and breathe the fresh Sweet air, beneath this tree; perhaps it were Not well, that she should longer he within The cave. SCENE IV. MALIE AND lOLA, SEATED BENEATH THE SHADE OF A TREE NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAVE. lola. How gloriously the sun shines over The hills. Mother, does not the gentle breeze Refresh you. O 'tis pleasant here, and were We but escaped quite out of diis vile land, How would I sing. How long before our feet Shall tread that fair green spot where Freedom lives, Sweet mother ? Malic . 1 know not, daughter, but trust In heaven 'twill not be Ion";. Ghesder can THE FUGITIVES. ^(^ Tell perhaps how near we are to that l)ri,-ht Shore. I trust that I shall reach it; though oft My heart has failed since wc left the dwellini; Where my poor heart hath felt so much of ill, And bitter grief. lola. O yes, dear mother, heaven Will hear our prayers; and though kind Ghestler Says he does not much believe in Him whom Our hearts love, yet when we are delivered, I know he can but feel that (Jod is good. And that his care hath brought us to that shore. Malie, Yes, yes, I trust he may be taugl though late. That love divine appointed e'en his lot. True, sorrow hath been his, as well as mine. He would not be subdued,— 'twas this that caused Bandaloz to deal thus roughly with him: If he but learn of Christ, my heart will cease Its throbbings with sweet peace. [Ghestler and Zongola come to the cave, bringing Carlos with them.] lola. O, Carlos ! What ! Oh! mother, do we dream? Say, say, and can 'b"f aO THE FUGITIVES. It 1)0 ? — ti'll us, ( ) tell us, how came you Tlius to find our rc'^tiiig j)lace ? Zongola. Yes, 'tis Carlos, lola, lie hath come Ere wc have reached the spot whither the star That guides us, rests itself. Wc found him 'ncath A tree, as we sought to gather something For yourself and mother to partake. Look, lola, 'tis he himself! JSlaUc. Heaven hath Sent him hither ; but how changed. Ghcstlcr. Yes, he is changed, but he shall tell us, how He hath escaped. Carlos. Yes, Tola, I'm here. Here to zo with you to that happy spot ^Vhich we've so often longed for; and for which Our nights are turned to day, our day to night. But I must tell you how at last I 'scaped. Chcstlcr. Yes, do, we wait to hear, for oft we spoke Of you. ]^id you not jiass us ere that fearful Storm o'ertook us in those woods where we lay Concealed ? THE FUGITIVES. 51 Carlos. Yes, and I saw you; but 1 goaded On my beast, and passed you, trembling lest those Who hunted witli me should discover you. tola. How took they you to seek us ? Carlos. 'Tis not strange You wonder at their course. But I will tell You all. They charged upon me your departure ; They bade me pass forest and glade, O'er which / traversed, when I ventured forth To seek that shore to which we now, all haste. High hopes were theirs, that they would overtake You in the woods; but ha! they failed. Joyous Then, I turned my steps to the poor rice swamp ; Thanking kind heaven that yon were safe ; resolved To gird me once again, and strike for freedom. Zongola: How, then, are you thus far ? Carlos. Aye ! truly, will I tell you the escape. That very night I fled and journeyed ; but alas ! three days Had not elapsed, ere I was captured, bound. And cast bleeding with wounds, within the walls Of the old prison house. Again I called 5* 62 THE FUGITIVES. ( )n heaven. My heart kejit hojiing ever; Though I saw no power could help, save His Whose hand, wondrous in working, evermore Succor afibrds, to those wlio pour their souls In prayer. lola. How wonderful that you are here ! Is it not thrice that you have hecn delected? Carlos. Yes, thrice, ere last they cast my weary limhs Into tliai loathsome den. lola. Yes; now then, tell Us how deliverance came to your sad heart. Carlos. Well, as I told you; bleeding, torn, oppressed As with a millstone on my aching heart, T sank upon the floor. Lifting my soul To heav'n, T prayed for help; nor was that prayer In vain. A storm arose, — the heavens were Red with lightnings. Thunders uttered loud tJieir Awful voice; as though the earth and arching Sky would meet in dire commotion. Casting THE FUGITIVES. 53 My eyes around the dismal cell, they fell Upon this weapon, (Holding up an axe.) Quick as the lightning, Visions of freedom passed before my mind ! Fair fields regained and forests dark traversed. No more to be recrossed. Forward I sprang, Loosing my fretted heel from the vile chain; And watching where to strike, as the Lightning played around. Then, when deep thunder, Poured its notes upon the air, I struck ! once ! — Twice ! — again ! — and lo ! the door unclosed. I sallied forth, all breathless, tremblingly Feeble, through excess of joy. The clouds poured Forth their stores in floods, and the forked light- nings Were my guide; till, all o'ercome, I cast myself Beneath a sheltering tree, and knew not aught Of joy, or grief, till the sun rose high o'er Each vale and hill. Forward I've hasted since; And now how good to look upon you once Again, and hope that we may soon be found Upon that shore, for love of which we've perilled AIL 54 THE FUGITIVES. Ghcstkr. How my heart leaps at thought of your cscaj)C, And at the loss of Bantlaloz. Methinks He'll sleep, less easily now \vc have fled. He thought to prey upon lola. Carlos. Bless You, for all your love and care for her, My Ghestler. Heaven will due recompense Aflbrd thee ; and thy heart, I trust, will soon Pour out its thanks to heaven, beside Those streams, in which we long to bathe our- selves. Ghestler. Mother, if all is well, we'll hasten forth To-night, for Carlos now will give us aid. And you will not be weary. With his help. We soon shall reach where liberty is known ; Where Bandaloz no more, with angry glance, Calls us to labor, and to unpaid toil. J\I(iUc. The sight of Carlos, and this fresh- ing breeze, Hath much refreshed me ; and unwaveringly My heart is fixed in confidence, that heaven THE FUGITIVES. 65 Will bring us to our rest. Ghestlcr, I wait Only the word. Tola's heart is glad; And well she may rejoice at sight of him Whom she had left behind, whom she had mourned As one who might no more be seen on earth. Oh heaven be praised for all its love to these My children. )CENE V, A COTTAGE ON THE BANK OF A RIVER IN CANADA. lola. Oh ! mother, are we here .? Here, where we breathe The blessed air of Liberty, so sweet. So passing sweet to our torn hearts ? I gaze Upon this sparkling tide, hour after hour, — Till my eyes fail me, all o'ercharged with tears. I cast them upward to the smihng heaven. All radiant with beauty, and I read. Nothing but Freedom, Liberty, yea. Life ! Is it not w^orth the toilsome way we've trod. To breathe this air } to feel this rest of soul ? And know that ne'er again shall we behold The scourge, or chain, or hear the fearful voice Of Bandaloz .? 55 THE FUGITIVES. i\falic. Yes, daughter, it is sweet To feel IK) terror crecplnj; o'er our souls ; To know that we have nought of ill to fear, From those who late oppressed us ; to cherish Tlie blessM hope of dying free; of laying Our poor weary linibs upon the spot where Dwells no base oppressor ; this is worth all Of toil and want encountered in the woods, And dreaiy forests. I shall die happy Now, knowing diat He who guided our frail Steps to dijs glad shore, will watch and bless you With a Father's tenderness. [Enter Ghcstlcr^ Zongola and Carlos.] Zongola. Well, modier, And Toln, how like you this our land ? Carlos. So you count this your land, Zon- gola, ha ! How think you this would fall upon the car Of l^andaloz ! Would he not curse heaven That e'er the star in the night sky, should point To this bright spot of earth, and guide our feet To Freedom's soil ? THE FUGITIVES. G7 Zongola. (Laughing.) Yes, yes, no doubt he would ; But now, 'tis all in vain! Methinks howe'er His memory may fail, he will not soon Forget the night that gave you liberty. lola. Nor shall we, Zongola. Zongola. Well said, lola. Doubtless 'tis treasured in your heart with more Of grateful love, than aught beside. Ghestler. But come, Good mother, and lola, let us know How you have passed the hours, since morn arose ? Malie. All happy, Ghestler. God hath filled our cup With choicest gifts. We have been praising heaven For all its love to us while journeying Through the wilderness; and oft we breathe The prayer that you, my son, may yet believe In Him who comforteth the sorrowing Of earth, and bids them joy in hope of heavenly Rest. 58 THE FUGITIVES. fold. Ye?, Glicstlcr will, I know, remember All his love, aiul pour his soul an ollering Unto heaven ! Carlos. So it shall be, Tola. Zongoht. Amen ! Then shall we be that family Wliich nought may sever. Malie. Nought, my sweet children. Already do I feel, that he w^io gave Me all of love and pleasure I possess. Will guide us to one home, — one joyous, bright. Yea, everlasting rest. THE REFUGEE MOTHER IN CANADA. 09 THE REFUGEE MOTHER IN CANADA BY SARAH DYMOND. Victoria! Oh Victoria, Queen of the brave and free ! We come from the land of scourge and chain. And tell our griefs to thee ; Through many a dark and dreary wild, With beating hearts we come, And here, beneath thy gentle sway, We find a quiet home. Oh ! thou hast riven thy bondmen's chain, Hast set thy captives free ; And thou dost still a home provide For the wandering refugee ; For though a crown adorns thy brow, Thy heroes all are brave, Thou carest still for the poor and wrong'd, Thou pitiest still the slave. Then hear, thou royal lady, hear The tale of the refugee ; 6 THE REFUGEE MOTHER IN CANADA. Look oil thy own young child, and hst With patient car to me: / am a mother too, — my heart. Like thine, with love o'erflows ; Thou know'st a mother's joys, but / Only a mother's woes. Beneath a bright Virginian sky. My precious babe was born; Her father ne'er embraced his child. For, on that fatal morn, An Alabamian dealer came, And culled from the doom'd band The father of my babe, and bore Him to that heav'n cursed land. ( )h ! as I mourned my husband long, No joy my hours beguiled ; I knew I ne'er should see him more. Nor he his new-born child. 1 did not know, as day by day, 1 wept his doom, — so soon As one brief year had wheeled its course, His fate should mark my own. THE REFUGEE MOTHER IN CANADA. 71 The trader came his annual round, — I held my first-born child ; And as I clasped it to my breast, The unconscious infant smiled : His choice was made ; but as he came The price of blood to pay, Me, weeping sore, he took, but gave My darling babe away. Then, in that moment's agony, I seized my child and fled. And in a neighboring forest dark, I laid my aching head. I rose, — and by the moon's bless'd light. With breathless haste I ran; Each rustling leaf seemed the blood-hound's step. Each tree, a mounted man. The God I loved, preserved me then Through many a weary day ; And many a night, with toilsome step, I held my quiet way. Once as I lay beneath a shade. Concealed from passers by, I listened with deep fear, and heard Some steps approaching nigh. And ncai*, and ncai'cr still they came — I had no power to flee — I laid my bahc beneath the bush, And bent npon my knee; I told my woes and fears to Him "Who hears the negro's prayer, And in that last extremity, He saved me from despair. The white man came, — Oh, with what fejii I gazed upon his face I But only kindness there, did I With anxious vision trace. Who has not heard of Fuller^s name, Friend of the refugee ? He came with fostering care to save INIy darling babe and me. O, then, f had a joyful road — He took my child and me; He bore us to his own fair home, Home of the refugee ; Beneath his hospitable roof We spent one happy day, The next all clad, and guarded well, He sent us on our way. THE REFUGEE MOTHER IN CANADA. 73 And here we are, Victoria ! As free as thought can be ; May we be thy peculiar care — And every refugee. We will be loyal to thy crown, We'll pray for thee and thine, — And wilt thou teach our darkened minds To know the will Divine.'' 6* 74 MARY S. PARKER, MARY S. PARKER. Tliorc arc few persons, who have heen lor au} length of lime interested in the cause of the o})- pressed Slave, who were not more or less ac- quainted with the individual whose name stands at the head of this article. Numerous are the testimonials that have reached us in relation to her since her decease. Of her devotion to the cause of the slave, and her deep interest in the various benevolent operations of the present day, thousands are witnesses. She was indeed justly esteemed and loved by all who had the privilege of an acquaintance with her. Some months be- fore her death, she left Boston, and became deeply interested in the cause of Moral Reform, and labored in connection with the American Moral Reform Society. The following extract from the "Advocate of Moral Reform," cannot fail to interest the friends of the cause. Few " knew thee but to love thee, Or niimed thoe but to praise." 'J'ruly may it be said " Death loves a shining mark." He has taken a devoted and useful MARY S. PARKER. 75 Christian from a promising field of labor, into which she had just entered, with high hopes and expectations of success, and a loved and valued sister from a circle of relatives and friends who can never cease to deplore her loss. Our own personal acquaintance with Miss P., though comparatively brief, was peculiarly inti- mate and endearing. We had long known and admired her character as an untiring and ener- getic laborer in another department of the vine- yard — but it was not until she came among us as a member of tlie Visiting Committee of this Society, that we knew how justly she was enti- tled to the respect and confidence awarded her by the community. Her character was a rare compound of feeling and judgment — of retiring delicacy and Christian faithfulness — of sweet hu- mility, and heroic boldness in defending the cause of truth — of feminine reserve, and unconquerable energy and perseverance. She entered into the work of "home missions" in this city with her characteristic zeal, and prosecuted it for several months, though even then suffering under the incipient stages of the disease which carried her to the grave. 76 MARY S. PARKER. Slie was a wise and ])rndcnt counsellor, accus- tomed to take enlarged and far-reaching views, and fearless of consccjuences when once the right was ascertained. In private life, our departed sister shone with uncommon lustre. '' In her lips was the law of kindness," and die heart of those favored with her friendship, safely trusted in her. Her gentle and unassuming deportment won for her the es- teem and affection which were increased and strengthened by farther acquaintance with her nu- merous virtues. But her crowning excellence was consistent, devoted piety. At all times, in all places and situations, she was a Christian — not in name only, but in deed and in truth. Her religion was eminently practical, and led her con- stantly to inquire what the Saviour who died for her, would have her to do in his cause. When once the path of duty was ascertained, no trials or discouragements caused her to waver or turn aside. Her example of patient endurance and perseverance in well-doing, under reproach and ohlofjuy, is a precious legacy to all who are bearing the burden and heat of the day, in any portion of the field. STANZAS. 77 We mourn for the loss sustained by the church and the world in this dispensation, but we rejoice that another combatant is crowned victor, and has ascended to her Father and our Father — to her God, and our God. May we all be followers of them, that through faith and patience are inherit- ing the promises, that in due time we also may share their glorious reward ! STANZAS. SUGGESTED BY HEARING OF THE DEATH OF MARY S. PARKER. ■« The. righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.^' BY M . V. B . They tell me, sister, that thou hast fled To the land, where the silvery tide Is rolling fresh from the crystal bed, Where the pride of the Lamb abide ! They say that never again may we hear Thy voice, so gentle and sweet — That thine eye with a radiance all its own, No more our own shall greet. 78 STANZAS. They say that tliou dwcllest where breezes soft Fan the ^ood and the loved of eartli, Where the curse of the Lord is forever removed And day hath an endless birth. They say that thy robes are snowy white, All washed in the blood of the Slain, Like those the Beloved of the Saviour saw AVliile banished on Patmos' plain. They say that before the azure throne, Thou bendest a seraph now; That the Lamb with the light of his radiant face Hath chased from thy lovely brow, Each sorrow and care, — and bade thee weep No more, while eternity rolls Its endless tide from his own pure throne. Or heaven its beauty unfolds ! They say that thou wavcst a fadeless palm, And a harj) from whose golden string. Flows music, far sweeter than David poured In the halls of the envious king. Yes, yes, thou hast fled, and we joy to know- That thine eye, oft dimmed with tears. Will never again commingle with ours In this shadowy vale of fears. STANZAS. 70 We gaze on the bright and martyr path , Thy spirit hath trod with haste ; On the toilsome hours for the bondman passed, Who pines in Slavery's waste. Thy name, with the holiest loves we own. Entwined shall be, — nor ever, Till we walk those azure depths with thee, Shall our inmost spirits sever! 80 LETTER FROM THOMAS CLARKSOxX. LKTTKU FROM THOMAS CLARKSON. The following letter has been received by the Society, from the venerable Thomas Clarkson. Knov^'ing that many would feel it a privilege to peruse his words, we insert a largo portion of the same. My Esteemed Friend, — Your letter gave me great pleasure, when I learnt from it that your Committee ^^ wns pressing onicards in the cause of the helpless captive." ^oiD is the time (when the feeling for his wretch- ed situation is so generally spread abroad,) for all to make one grand effort for his deliverance. I feel myself obliged to your Committee for the interest they take in my life, and for their earnest prayers for the continuance of it. iVlas ! I am sorry to say, that if your prayers are even successful, I could noio be but of little further use to ilie sacred cause. J\Iy day, as it relates to work, is now over. I am in the eighty- second year of my age. My nervous system is shattered to pieces, and I am besides encom- LETTER FROM THOMAS CLARKSON. yl passed with infirmities which belong to our nature in adv^anced years. I cannot therefore repine at the common lot of humanity, but am thankful, truly thankful to God, for having spared my life so long as to see the whole civilized world taking up our cause, and your own and other Societies in the United States, laboring for the same great object. Indeed from what I have already seen, and from what I now see, T shall depart this life with the full belief, that our great cause is now in the hands of God himself to perfect it, either in mercy or in judgment, and that he has willed that this "abomination of desolation" should cease even in our days, and that the work already be- gun is noio in progress; but, my dear friends, let us not relax in our exertions on that account. The Almighty makes use of human agency to accomplish his will, and let us glory in being his agents. I WTOte lately a letter to the clergy of the Southern States, which is to be re-printed in America, and which is now probably in your hands. It is the last work I can ever undertake. I have therefore poured into it my whole soul, as far as feeble years would permit. 7 8J LETTFR FROM THOMAS CLARKSON. You iiiiisi excuse some blunders in this letter, as I am nearly blind^ and cannot see always where 1 direct my pen. I am, my dear friend, with affectionate remem- hrance to the Females of your Committee, Yours truly, Thomas Clarkson. Playford Hall, near Ipswich, SuJIolk, July 7, 1841. THE FUGITIVE'S WELCOME. 83 THE FUGITIVE'S WELCOME. BY MRS. J . M . POND. (3 say, weary one, dost thou flee from the huul Oppression has rendered so drear.'' Hast thou severed thyself from the family band, From the wife of thy bosom most dear ? The Saviour has watched o'er thy perilous way, His hand hath conducted thee on, — And now in his name, we would cordially say, As a brother, we loelcome thee home. There is joy in our midst, for the soul that is sad ; Here are friends that would rescue and save ; — And words of sweet comfort, and smiles that make glad The heart of the sorrowful slave. Dost thou sigh for thy loved one, left cheerless and lone, And weep that she cannot be free ? The low winds of evening shall whisper thy moan, And waft her a message from thee. S4 THE FUGITIVE'S WELCOME. Bid ilicni tell her that lii^hi is beginning to dawn, That a day of redemption is near! For e'en from the ''bar," to the nurs'ry maid's song, The claims of the Captive we hear. An Adams, a v^ladc, and a Morris can plead The cause of the poor and oppressed ; And the music that comes from the Isles of the frecdj Is breaking the slaveholder's rest. •' The Lord is not slack" — he will visit this land ! Is he not, even now on his way ? His angels are clad, and in readiness stand, His fearful commands to obey. '' O God, to whom vengeance belongeth," forbear- ! Speak the word — and oppression shall cease ; Let our nation be changed in answer to prayer, To a nation of freedom and peace. MIND IS FREE. 86 The following articles are from the hearts of little English children, forwarded us by the kindness of one of our Trans- atlantic correspondents. We say from the hearts, for child- hood itself feels that mind is free, and that he who attempts to enslave another, commits a sin against God and humanity. With one word of alteration, we exclaim in the language of another, "The offerings of a child are sweeter than the incense of Persia proffered to the sun; — yea, more delicious than odors wafted from a field of Arabian spices by the western gales." MIND IS FREE, Y E . B Armed in freedom's noble cause, The heart escapes proud tyrant's laws, Nor can frail earthly fetters bind By cruel force the noble mind. A winged soul doth chains defy, And find its anchor sure on high; Religion gives the Captive scope 'Mid galling chains to find his hope^ And with oppression's iron rod. May find sweet refuge in his God. 7* 86 COMPASSION COMr ASSIGN. \ \ LITTLE GIRL ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE " Slavery is a bitter draught,'' With care and sorrow it is fraught, Though slavery brings sorrow to the mind, Yet the slave "refuge in his God" may find. He loves as well as white men do. His nation and his country too ; Tlie slave has mind unlike a brute, Then cultivate kind nature's fruit." THE SLAVE AUCTION. 87 THE SLAVE AUCTION. BY REV. CHARLES W. DENISON. •' For sale, slaves, horses, and other cattle." — Southern Advertisement. " Also, a LIBRARY of a miscellaneous character, chiefly Theological. 27 NEGROES, Some of them very prune, two mules, one horse, and an old wagon." — Advertisement of the Estate of the late Rich- ard FURMAN, B. B., of S. C. " Also, a young mother, with a lot of fine children." Passim. The shambles are all set around, and now the slaves are brought From groaning market fastnesses, into the open court. Rap ! rap ! rap ! rap ! the hammer goes, and hark ! the auctioneer Rings out his call for customers, in accents strong and clear : ''Come, walk up, gentlemen! and see what bar- gains I have got — 88 THE SLAVE AUCTION. Walk up this way and look at them ; they are a glorious lot !" And now they lead iheiii to the stands, before the rabble crowd, The mother's head lumg down in tears, the chil- dren crying loud. Tp step the buyers, merrily, to gaze upon them there, And ever and anon a laugh breaks on the mourn- ing air. [n every part they mark the lot, to catch defec- tive points, And some seize hold with iron grasps, and press the yielding joints ;' The form — the eye — the step — the voice — are gauged and measured all, And now again the salesman sounds his loud and heartless call : ''Walk up! walk up! who bids? how much? Come, start me, at Uiem, now !" And as he spoke, a fiendish smile lit up his sal- low brow. ''They're going! going! cheap as dogs: who bids for them ? how much ? Of all the thousand lots I've sold, I never offer- ed such ! THE SLAVE AUCTION. Come, going ! going ! gentlemen : Hey ! ' Beauty' stand up here, And let us take a look of you, and your pretty little dear!" Forth from the throng the mother stepped, her infant in her arms, A woman white as he who sold — a double slave in charms : — "How much for these? who bids? how much? five hundred dollars, say ? Three thousand would not buy them, w^ere not sheriffs here to-day ! Six hundred : that is right, good sir ! too cheap at that by half! Seven ! eight ! nine ! ten ! ah ! that's the word ! It makes my hammer laugh ! A thousand dollars for the two — and well may I say two — They're worth two thousand — every cent — or they're not worth a sous. One thousand dollars ! going ! quick ! can't dwell ! speak quick ! and ten ! And ten ! — and twenty ! that's it gents ! you talk it up like men ! 90 Tlir SLAVE AT'CTION. Can't wait! who bids? how much? speak quick! and twcnty-fivc ! no more ? Wh) ! fifteen, hundred is my price, and not a farthing lower ! Look at that woman ! See that child ! — and thirty ! — thirty-five ! .She is as sound as beautiful — and both of theni will thrive ! Come, gents ! they're going ! going ! quick ! — and forty — that is well ! Pshaw ! I can't think for such a price so fine a pair to sell ! And forty-five ! — and fifty ! — going ! — going I — GONE! Who is the buyer ? Ah ! I see : each deer should have his fawn !" .lust then the former owner passed, with slow and pompous pace, And as he came, the mother raised the infant to his face ; As still he strutted on in front, with step of power and jirlde, With look and voice of scorn and grief the blush- ing woman cried : THE SLAVE AUCTION. 91 " There's one thing more, my master, that has not yet been known — The children you have sold ivith me, are all of them your own/" ij2 LINES TO THOMAS CLARKSON, ESQ. LINES TO THOMxVS CLARKSON, ESQ- i; Y I. . >I . HALL. Ilumnnity, thou hast a name Emblazoned on the scroll of fame, A name lliat ne'er shall pass away, Though earth with all its thrones decay. Say, reader, would'st thou scan that name ' Cast o'er the wave to yonder fane, Thine eye, — where all in living light Is seen a form, whose locks, though white With age, yet from whose beaming eye Shines forth that fire which ne'er will die. Though suns and planets disappear. All shall admire, all shall revere. The spotless Clarkson, — for his name Stands first upon the scroll of fame ! Boston, Oct. 18 11. LJ^ES. 93 LINES, AfiDRESSED TO THE AMERICAN DELEGATES, WHO AT- TENDED THE ANTI-SLAVERT CONVENTION, HELD IN LONDON, IN 1840. BY H . R. May Justice and Mercy your efforts inducing, Bring Peace to your bosoms when far o'er the wave; You have sought your own homes where true hearts are producing Kind Sympathy's hopes for the suffering slave ! Do you ask our assistance ? — then may it be given, With feehngs to which only hearts can respond; The Christian may hail it as Heaven's commis- sion, And the earth-ward bound spirit as Nature's demand. Here intellect's powers, and the soul's deepest breathings, Have mingled in one o'er the woes of our kind, 8 94 LINI^. And tlic fnlhcr's, llic husband's and patriot's feel- ings, Have given full force to the promptinj^s of mind. Anil in age? to come, when the heart's deep emotion Has ceased, and the wronged and pleader are one. Your children's children shall hear with devotion, The names of the Victors who Victory won. But not this your reward — far higher awaits you. Where Fame and Ambition, alike are unknown; Where the warrior w^ith joy shall each weapon relinquish For the breast-plate of Peace and the Ama- ranth Crown ! Bath, CEng.) 11 »)u>. 12, 1840. SLAVERY. 95 SLAVERY. Y U . R To the mind which prejudice has not biassed, to the judgment which interest has not warped, and, ere they have been blunted by familiarity with crime, to those holy feelings of our nature which bind men as one family to each other, the sin of Slavery must appear one of the deepest abominations that ever found resting-place in the heart of man, — one of the foulest streams that ever had origin in that impure and polluted source. But alas! so fearful is the triumph of evil over good, and of the mean, unworthy motives of preju- dice and interest, over those which are noble, just, and generous, diat the monster Tyranny has stalked unmasked before the world, gloried in his iniquity, and bid scornful defiance to any at- tempt at the rescue of his victims. Nor have vice and infamy alone, been his sup- porters ; professed piety and honor have refused to anathematize the accursed thing. But praise be to Him whose ''ways are past finding out," 96 SLAVERY. a brighter clay lias dawned, revealing the works of darkness in all their horrid derormily. The cry of the bondsman has been heard, thrilling our hearts to their inmost centres, and arousing our slumbering energies — and the echo has thundered back on the oppressors to let the oppressed go free. And where the loud call is spurned, trem- ble, proud tyrant, for the day of retribution, when thou and thy suffering victim shall stand impar- tially before Ilim, who, as be was once your Saviour, shall be your Judge, and *' verily there is no respect of persons with him." And thou despised and nfHictcd one, remember that while man is powerful, (lod is omnipotent, and that the commission is still going forth "to preach de- liverance to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Jialh, 1 1 mo. 12, 18 10. THE LIBERTY BANNER. 97 THE LIBERTY BANNER. In January last, by a vote of the Massachusetts Female Emancipation Society, a Banner was prof- fered to the town in the Tenth Congressional Dis- trict which should cast the largest proportionate number of votes for the Liberty Party's candidate. The town of Berkley won the Banner; and on the 17th of last June it was presented to the noble men who stood erect in the political whirlwind that swept over our country, at the time of the last Presidential election. The manner of presentation was as follows : — On the 17th of June, (the day which is celebra- ted in memory of the battle of Bunker Hill,) the friends of Freedom in Berkley thought that they could not render more effectual service to the cause of Freedom, than by having an Anti- Slavery gath- ering. Accordingly a meeting was appointed, and the spacious and commodious meeting-house w'as filled to overflowing, both morning and afternoon, with the most eager and attentive listeners. In the afternoon, after the singing of a hymn, written for the occasion by a member of the Massachusetts F. 8* 95 niE Liin.RTY hAxXNER. E. Society, the Rev. Nathaniel Colvcr, on behalf of the Massachusclts F. E. Society, gave the Banner into the hands of the Rev. Thomas An- dros, a soldier of the revolution, who had been appointed to receive it Ijy the voters of Berkley. The presentation was followed by a long and deeply interesting speech, wiiich was received by the audience with the most enthusiastic cheering, Mr. Andros replied with feelings of deep emo- tion, and more than once was the tear seen to steal down his care-worn cheek, while every heart felt the mighty weight attached to words falling from those lips, which had ever breathed of Freedom, and for wliich he had sacrificed much of health and comfort. It was indeed a goodly sight to behold the venerable Andros, with his locks white with age, displaying ^'before the people" that Banner, which we trust will one day wave over the Capitol, l^onii; live tliosc noble souled men, who, despis- ing the petty trickery of "party," stood forth for the defence of the inalienable rights of all ! As some of our friends desire a description of the Banner, we append the following: — It is THE LIBERTY BANNER. 99 made of pure white satin. The face presents the goddess of Liberty, holding the staff of Freedom with her right hand, while her left touches a shield. Floating in the breeze at the head of the staff is a pennant, on which are inscribed the words of Cowper, " / ^0 to make Freemen of Slaves P^ On the shield is written, " One shall chase a thousand;" while at the feet of the goddess are marked in letters of gold, the words of the sweet singer of Israel, '' Thou hast given a Banner unto them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth." The reverse of the Banner has the Liberty Party's emblem, the beautiful, fragrant, and ever- enduring Cedar of Lebanon, under which is found, " The righteous shall grow like a Cedar in Leba- non." The whole is encircled with a superb, gold colored fringe and tassels. The ladies of Berkley were deeply interested on the occasion, and displayed much taste in erecting arches of flowers, and ornamenting the house with garlands of roses and evergreen, so that it was literally filled with perfume from heav- en's own breath. 100 'r<^ JOSEPH STLllGE, ESQ. TO .loSKJMI STURGE, ESQ. ri V A >I L M 15 E R F T II E 31 A S S. F. E. S C I E T Y When the car thine accents lieard, Tlien it blest thee for the word ; When the eye beheld thy face Beaming with benignant grace, — Then arose from sire and son, Youth and maid, with voice as one, Blessings for the gifts of heaven, By thy hand so freely given. In tliose Islands of the Free, Where the song of Jubilee Floats upon each spicy gale. Waking echoing hill and dale. There tlie Negro bows the knee. Breathing words of peace to Thee, And each lisping babe and mother, .loy to call thee, Friend and Brother. Memory ever fresh shall keep All thine acts of love, and dee() TO JOSEPH STURGE, ESQ. 101 In each Freeman's soul shall dwelL^ Thoughts of Thee, whose magic spell, Shall awake to ceaseless toil, All the good of every soil, While Columbia'' s sons of need, Own thee for a Friend, indeed! lOi THE BALLOT BOX. TllK BALLOT J30X. « V L . A . SMITH. A revolutionary soldier stood beside the ballot box. Thoughtful he stood and gazed upon the thronging multitude. A young man came to him and a-kcd if lie would vote for Harrison and Tyler. " For Harrison and Tyler," cried the soldier, "slave-holding Tyler! Never." Indig- nantly he spurned the proffered vote, and raising his tall form to its full height, exclaimed, " a Northern lahorcr vole for slavery ! — a Northern laborer vote for unpaid toil and fettered limbs ! May his hand perish, if he thus betray the bond- man. The ballot box is Freedom's altar. O come not here to sanction slavery! Go down to Southern blood-stained fields, there chain immor- tiil souls, and drive them to the field like brutes. Aye, seize the driver's lash, and scourge to death your hel])less victims. But come not to the bal- lot box, to vote for chains and fetters. A holy thing is Liberty. Profane not thus her sacred shrine, "i'our fathers fought, and bled, and died, to win for you a rich inheritance — a precious THE BALLOT BOX. 103 legacy — the priceless ballot box; but ye are bar- tering it for gold. Oh, shameful avarice; for paltry gold ye sell your country's freedom. Shame on America ! she fought for liberty, and holds in slavery groaning millions ! Are ye not riveting chains and fetters on yourselves and on your children? Oh, rouse ye, ere it be too late. Methinks even now I hear the fetters clank — methinks, even now, I see the falling lash, and Southern masters driving Northern yeomen to the Ballot Box ! " Glastcnhury , Conn., 1841. 104 THE FREED CAPTIVE. THE FREED CAPTIVE. BY S . P . H. Oh ! God, I am free, My limbs are unbound ; My shackles have fell On this holy ground. Here, never is shed The Captive's lone tear; Oppression's base tread Shall never come near- No ! men are not here By brothers fast bound ; Here the lash and the chain Shall never be found. Yes, yes, I am free ! And far, far away, The hunters may speed In search of their prey. Back, back, they may go, My peril is o'er; THE FREED CAPTIVE. i05 My feet they have touched Fair Liberty's shore ! Now, joyous my heart With rapture doth swell, The Captive's last tear, In bondage hath fell ! Boston, 1841, 1* 106 STANZAS. STANZAS. TO THE WOMEN OF GREAT BRITAIN. BY M . V . BALL. When the Adriatic tide Poured its wealth on every side, And fair Venice rung with glee, At the marriage of the sea ; And the Bucentaur with gold All bedecked, iu costly fold GHded to bright Lido's shore, With full many a playful oar, Then in gems and diamonds gay. Singing many a roundelay. Woman stood, fresh, beauteous, beaming, As the morn, from Ida streaming! When the war-cry on the air Spoke a Nation near despair; — With an eye undimmed with sorrow Or sad visions of the morrow. Stands the Peasant of Orleans, Where in pomp and beauty, gleams All the pageantry of State, Which on crowns and sceptres wait — STANZAS. 107 " Follow ! follow ! " is her cry, " France shall live, or we will die ! " And ere fled the summer roses, Clovis all the tale discloses. Though no pomp in silvery bay Calls, her beauty to display, Or no cohort's glittering steel Tells the woes that thousands feel, — Woman hath not cast away Care for those who nightly pray. By the moon's pale silvery light, Crushed by dark oppression's blight. No ! on Britain's vine-clad shores. Oft the secret prayer she pours. That o'er Western lake and river. Nought but Freedom's bark may quiver. Yes, and not alone that prayer ; Faith that works with zeal is there. Causing heart and hand to move In the holy work of love. Comforting the few and weak, Who have dared to do and speak. For the millions o'er whose soul Tyranny usurps control; 106 STANZAS. Where C'oliHiil)ia\s banner waves, Wet witli blood of countless slaves, Where for sipping Freedom's water, Perish grey-haired Sire luid Daughter Blessings evermore attend AH the steps of those who lend Hand or heart, or voice, or eye. To the bondman's wo, or cry. When on Zion's mountain, stand All the blest, from every land. These shall come in bright array, There redeemed from Slavery's sway, And in joyful accents, pour Gladsome music on that shore ; While the Saviour's radiant face, Shining with unmingled grace, Wakes the enchaining minstrelsy, '^Ye have done it unto me!" r.KRATA.— In the article headed '« izT/cr/i/," eighth line pagr 29, for •• share" read shade. ^ ' Page 3l,Bevenlh line from the bottom, for <' dark sea" rrad deep tea. Page 32, eighth line from the bottom, for "shore" read 'pace. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 839 192 5 ^