To the Republicans of North America

Brothers! between you and me

Whirlwinds sweep and billows roar:

Yet in spirit oft I see

On thy wild and winding shore

Freedom's bloodless banners wave,--

Feel the pulses of the brave

Unextinguished in the grave,--

See them drenched in sacred gore,--

Catch the warrior's gasping breath

Murmuring 'Liberty or death!'

Shout aloud! Let every slave,

Crouching at Corruption's throne,

Start into a man, and brave

Racks and chains without a groan:

And the castle's heartless glow,

And the hovel's vice and woe,

Fade like gaudy flowers that blow--

Weeds that peep, and then are gone

Whilst, from misery's ashes risen,

Love shall burst the captive's prison.

Cotopaxi! bid the sound

Through thy sister mountains ring,

Till each valley smile around

At the blissful welcoming!

And, O thou stern Ocean deep,

Thou whose foamy billows sweep

Shores where thousands wake to weep

Whilst they curse a villain king,

On the winds that fan thy breast

Bear thou news of Freedom's rest!

Can the daystar dawn of love,

Where the flag of war unfurled

Floats with crimson stain above

The fabric of a ruined world?

Never but to vengeance driven

When the patriot's spirit shriven

Seeks in death its native Heaven!

There, to desolation hurled,

Widowed love may watch thy bier,

Balm thee with its dying tear.