Sonett-Forum

ON COMPLETING MY THIRTY-FIFTH YEAR.


IF to the age of three-score years and ten,
God of my life ! thoti shalt my term prolong,
Still be it mine to reprobate all wrong,
And save from woe my suffering fellow-men.

Whether, in Freedom's cause, my voice or pen
Be used by Thee, who art my boast and song,
To vindicate the weak against the strong,
Upon my labors rest Thy benison !

O, not for Afric's sons alone I plead,
Or her descendants ; but for all who sigh

In servile chains, whate'er their caste or creed :
They not in vain to Heaven send up their cry ;

For all mankind from bondage shall be freed,
And from the earth be chased all forms of tyranny.




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