Sonnet to Liberty.
They tell me, Liberty! that, in thy name,
I may not plead for all the human race;
That some are born to bondage and disgrace,
Some to a heritage of war and shame,
And some to power supreme and glorious fame.
With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base,
And as an equal brotherhood embrace
All people, and for all fair freedom claim!
Know this, o man, what'er thy earthly fate
God never made a tyrant nor a slave:
War, then, to those who dare to desecrate
His sacred image! - for to all He gave
Eternal rights, which none may violate;
And by a mighty hand th' oppressed He yet shall save.
.
They tell me, Liberty! that, in thy name,
I may not plead for all the human race;
That some are born to bondage and disgrace,
Some to a heritage of war and shame,
And some to power supreme and glorious fame.
With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base,
And as an equal brotherhood embrace
All people, and for all fair freedom claim!
Know this, o man, what'er thy earthly fate
God never made a tyrant nor a slave:
War, then, to those who dare to desecrate
His sacred image! - for to all He gave
Eternal rights, which none may violate;
And by a mighty hand th' oppressed He yet shall save.
.
Der Anspruch ihn auszudrücken, schärft auch den Eindruck.