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Hymn 8. L. M.

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WRITTEN FOR THE 1ST OF AUGUST BY MARY L. GARDNER.

1. Is there one here within whose soul
Lingers a spark of Freedom's fire,
One, who would boast with honest pride
The spirit of his patriot sire,

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One who would scorn the tyrant rod,
The iron yoke, the galling chain,
Who will not swell the joyous song
That comes today across the main?

2. List! list! the wind exulting bears
The thrilling note upon its wing;
Eight hundred thousand ransom'd souls
Th' inspiring song of freedom sing.
Long had they bow'd beneath the yoke,
Long "welter'd in a living grave,"
Their chains are broke, and Britain's isles
Now bear no impress of a slave.

3. Wake! wake the chorus! shall their shout
Upon N' England's hilltops die,
Where freedom first with trumpet tone
Sent forth her wild and fearless cry?
No! let it ring o'er hill and vale,
From Greenland to the southern plain,
Where even now the soil is cursed
By Slavery's dark and hateful stain.

4. O, Father! may thy word go forth,
From India to the western sea,
Till millions now in dreadful thrall,
Can swell the anthem of the Free;
Till over Afric's sable race,
No more is waved oppression's rod, —
And man no longer dares for gold
To sell the image of his God.

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