TO MY BIRTH-PLACE

[ZaunköniG]

TO MY BIRTH-PLACE.


WHETHER a persecuted child of thine
Thou deign to own, my lovely native place,*
In characters that Time cannot efface,
Thy worth is graved upon this heart of mine.

Forsake me not in anger, nor repine
That with this nation I am in disgrace :
From ruthless bondage to redeem my race,
And save my country, is my great design.

How much soe'er my conduct them dost blame,
(For Hate and Calumny belie my course,)

My labors shall not sully thy fair fame ;
But they shall be to thee a fountain-source

Of joyfulness hereafter when my name
Shall e'en from tyrants a just tribute force.


* Newburyport, Mass.



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