EXPANSION.
Not mountain chains, nor streams that cleave the plains,
Nor the wide ocean that around them rolls
Can bound the realm of Freedom’s loyal souls
Who serve the Spirit that above it reigns.
Not the mean few who snatch for selfish gains
Through pathways opening toward the noblest goals
Can shake Heaven’s children’s faith that Heaven controls
That life the most which Earth the least enchains.
O ye who see but lust for wealth or rule
Where love would end one more wrong’d people’s thrall,
As your sires ended yours, how blind are ye!
Who says there is no God is no more fool
Than he who hears not God’s voice in each call
To loose man’s bonds and let the oppress’d go free.