LIBERTY

To G.N.

Oh, sacred Liberty, dear mother of Fame!

What are men here that they should expel thee?

What right of theirs, save power, makes others be

The pawns, as if unfeeling, in their game?

Ireland and the Transvaal, ye are a shame

On England and a blot! Oh, shall we see

For ever crushed and held who should be free

By human creatures without human name?

Wonder not then, dear friend, that here where men

Are far away I can well rest, and far

From where in lawful bodies, Christian‑wise,

Beings of earth their fellows fold and pen;

Glad that the winds not yet enchained are

And billows yet are free to fall and rise.