Sonnet
Written in 1864
What right to freedom when we are not free?
When all the passions goad us into lust;
When, for the worthless spoil we lick the dust,
And while one-half our people die, that we
May sit with peace and freedom ’neath our tree,
The other gloats for plunder and for spoil:
Bustles through daylight, vexes night with toil,
Cheats, swindles, lies and steals!—Shall such things be
Endowed with such grand boons as Liberty
Brings in her train of blessings? Should we pray
That such as these should still maintain the sway—
These soulless, senseless, heartless enemies
Of all that’s good and great, of all that’s wise,
Worthy on earth, or in the Eternal Eyes!
Charleston Mercury.