To mete and vend the light and air;
Like beasts of burden would they load us,
Like gods would bid their slaves adore,
But Man is Man, and who is more?
Then shall they longer lash and goad us? (Chorus)
O Liberty! can man resign thee,
Once having felt thy generous flame?
Can dungeons’ bolts and bars confine thee,
Or whips thy noble spirit tame?
Too long the world has wept bewailing,