English poem
_The Liberty Bells_
by Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910)
This is the hour they then foretold-- When earth, inebriate with crime, Laughed right to scorn, and guilt, grown bold, Knelt worshiping at mammon's shrine.
This is the hour! Corruption's band Is driven back; and periled right, Rescued by the "fanatic" hand, Spans our broad heaven of light.
Righteousness ne'er--awestruck or dumb-- Feared for an hour the tyrant's heel! Injustice to the combat sprang; God to the rescue--Liberty, peal!
Joy is in every belfry bell-- Joy for the captive! Sound it long! Ye who have wept fourscore can tell The holy meaning of their song.
'Tis freedom's birthday--blood-bought boon! O war-rent flag! O soldier-shroud! Thine be the glory--nor too soon Is heard your "Cry aloud!"
O not too soon is rent the chain And charter, trampling right in dust! Till God is God no longer--ne'er again Quench liberty that's just.
Lynn, Mass., February 3, 1865.