Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

Should despots e’er dare to impede her free soaring,

Or bigot to fetter her flight with his chain,

We pledge that the earth shall close o’er our deploring,

Or view her in gladness and freedom again.

But no!—to the day-dawn of knowledge and glory,

A far brighter noontide-refulgence succeeds,

And our art shall embalm, through all ages, in story,

Her champion who triumphs—her martyr who bleeds,

And proudly her sons shall recall their devotion,

While millions shall listen to honor and bless,