Читать книгу The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell - James Russell Lowell - Страница 68

Giddings, far rougher names than thine have grown

Smoother than honey on the lips of men;

And thou shalt aye be honorably known,

As one who bravely used his tongue and pen.

As best befits a freeman—even for those

To whom our Law's unblushing front denies

A right to plead against the lifelong woes

Which are the Negro's glimpse of Freedom's skies:

Fear nothing, and hope all things, as the Right

Alone may do securely; every hour

The thrones of Ignorance and ancient Night

Lose somewhat of their long-usurpèd power,

And Freedom's lightest word can make them shiver

With a base dread that clings to them forever.