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[1853]
AS 1 when, on Carmel’s sterile steep, | |
| The ancient prophet bowed the knee, | |
| And seven times sent his servant forth | |
| To look toward the distant sea; | |
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| There came at last a little cloud, | 5 |
| Scarce larger than the human hand, | |
| Spreading and swelling till it broke | |
| In showers on all the herbless land; | |
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| And hearts were glad, and shouts went up, | |
| And praise to Israel’s mighty God, | 10 |
| As the sear hills grew bright with flowers, | |
| And verdure clothed the valley sod,— | |
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| Even so our eyes have waited long; | |
| But now a little cloud appears, | |
| Spreading and swelling as it glides | 15 |
| Onward into the coming years. | |
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| Bright cloud of Liberty! full soon, | |
| Far stretching from the ocean strand, | |
| Thy glorious folds shall spread abroad, | |
| Encircling our beloved land. | 20 |
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| Like the sweet rain on Judah’s hills, | |
| The glorious boon of love shall fall, | |
| And our bond millions shall arise, | |
| As at an angel’s trumpet-call. | |
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| Then shall a shout of joy go up,— | 25 |
| The wild, glad cry of freedom come | |
| From hearts long crushed by cruel hands, | |
| And songs from lips long sealed and dumb; | |
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| And every bondman’s chain be broke, | |
| And every soul that moves abroad | 30 |
| In this wide realm shall know and feel | |
| The blessèd Liberty of God. | |
