Invocation to Liberty, by Elizabeth Walker
All hail, sweet Liberty! thy cheering ray
Gives promise of a bright -- a glorious day --
Soon may it burst in dazzling splendour bright,
Chasing the long, deep gloom of Slavery's night!
Unloose the fetters! -- set the Captive free! --
Bind up his wounds! -- and soothe his agony!
Shed thy blest influence o'er the hapless Slave,
And shew him thou hast found a heart to save!
Of what avail fair climes, or brightest sky?
Unblest by Thee, he must despairing lie:
Let him at length the hallowed vision see
Of Peace, -- of Hope, -- of Joy, -- of Liberty!
Wave thy bright banner! mount it up on high!
Unfurl thy standard to the gorgeous sky!
Enroll thy name there, -- Briton, brave, and free!
'Tis a fit emblem of thy Land, and Thee!
Say! shall that Land to Fame and Freedom dear
Refuse the weeping suppliant's ardent prayer?
Behold his bitter grief, his galling chain,
Yet mock his woes, or aggravate his pain?
Ah! let not Man so base a Recreant prove --
Dead to the voice of Justice, Mercy, Love --
Melt his hard heart, ye attributes divine!
So shall his worth in tenfold radiance shine!
England's fair Daughters, too, shall aid supply,
Heal breaking hearts, and dry the streaming eye,
To injured Africa speak words of peace,
Feel for her wrongs, and bid her sorrows cease;
Her sable sons shall bless the tender care
Which soothes their grief and in their hope hath share.
Then hail, sweet Liberty! Thy banner float
From North to South, o'er regions most remote;
From East to West, till every land and clime,
Exulting shouts, "This glorious boon is mine!"
Elizabeth.
Clifton House.