With woman, lovely woman, at their side;
Bright eyes, glad hearts, and joyous souls, were there,
Free as the light that shone, unfettered as the air.
The mind, that spark of Deity within
That hath its nurture from a higher world,
No longer bound by tyranny and sin,
Beheld its highest, noblest powers unfurled.
No more did Error bind it to its creed,
Or Superstition strive to blind its sight;
It followed only where God's truth did lead,
And trusted him to guide its course aright.
The inner as the outer man was free,
And both united held this glorious jubilee.
—'T was all a vision, and it passed away,
As dreams depart; yet it did leave behind
Its deep impressions, thoughts that fain would stay
And hold communion with the tireless mind.
I wished that it were real; alas! I heard
The clank of Slavery's fetters rend the air;
And feelings of my heart were deeply stirred,
When I beheld my brethren, who dare
Proclaim all "equal," yet in chains of steel
Bind men, who, like themselves, can pain and pleasure feel.
God in his wisdom meant all should be free,
All equal: each a brother unto man.
Presumptuous mortal! who His great decree