Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By William LloydGarrison

171 Liberty for All

THEY tell me, Liberty! that in thy name

I may not plead for all the human race;

That some are born to bondage and disgrace,

Some to a heritage of woe and shame,

And some to power supreme, and glorious fame:

With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base,

And, as an equal brotherhood, embrace

All people, and for all fair freedom claim!

Know this, O man! whate’er thy earthly fate—

God never made a tyrant nor a slave:

Woe, then, to those who dare to desecrate

His glorious image!—for to all He gave

Eternal rights, which none may violate;

And, by a mighty hand, the oppressed He yet shall save!