"The Pilgrims are Launched &c."

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Written for the Anti-Slavery Melodies by Henry Ware, Jr.
TUNE — "THE WILD HUNT OF LUTZOW."

1. The Pilgrims are launched on the wild winter main,
Their bark on the foam madly tossing:
The tempest is high; but its threats they disdain;

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They are fleeing from tyranny's scepter and chain,
It is Liberty's sea they are crossing.
Hark! loud rings their cry o'er the stormy wave,

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"Freedom! Death or Freedom!
Freedom, or ocean our grave!"
"Death or Freedom!
Freedom! or ocean our grave!"

2. Borne high on the breath of the soft summer gale,
The slave ship is proudly careering.
What sights of despair, and what voices of wail!
What anguish and madness beneath that fair sail,
To hopeless captivity steering!
Hark! hark, from the black hold the stifled cry,
"Freedom! Death or Freedom!"
Hear how it pierces the sky!
"Death or Freedom!"
Hear how it pierces the sky.

3. In the darkness and rain of the chill autumn night,
The slaves from the cane-fields is striding;
Thro' hunger and hardship he urges his flight;
Nor perils dismay him, nor blood-hounds affright,
By the North-Star his weary feet guiding.
Help! help for him! answer his earnest cry
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Tell him that rescue is nigh;
"Freedom! Freedom!"
Tell him that rescue is nigh.

4. Up, up with your banners to honor the brave!
O'er your forefathers' tombs be they flying!
And hail to the hero, tho' black and a slave,
Who shrinks from oppression, but fears not the grave,
And throws off his fetters by dying.
Join, join in the shout that he flings on high,
"Freedom! Death or Freedom!"
Join; — 'twas your Forefathers' cry;
Death or Freedom!"
Join; — 'twas your Forefathers' cry.