John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892). The Poetical Works in Four Volumes. 1892.
Anti-Slavery PoemsIn War Time
Hymn, sung at Christmas by the Scholars of St. Helena’s Island, S. C.
O
Were ever glad as we!
We ’re free on Carolina’s shore,
We ’re all at home and free.
Who suffered for our sake,
To open every prison door,
And every yoke to break!
And help us sing and pray;
The hand that blessed the little child,
Upon our foreheads lay.
No more the whip we fear,
This holy day that saw Thee born
Was never half so dear.
The waters brighter smile;
Oh, never shone a day so glad
On sweet St. Helen’s Isle.
To Thee in prayer we call,
Make swift the feet and straight the way
Of freedom unto all.
Come walking on the sea!
And let the mainlands hear the word
That sets the islands free!