Read "The Freedom Bell" by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Ring, aye, ring the freedom bell, / And let its tones be loud and clear; / With glad hosannas let it swell / Until it reach the Bondman's ear.
Through pain that wrings the life apart, / And spasms full of deadly strife, / And throes that shake the nation's heart, / The fainting land renews her life.
Where shrieks and groans distract the air, / And sods grow red with crimson rain, / The ransom'd slave shall kneel in prayer / And bury deep his rusty chain.
Where cheeks now pale with sickening dread, / And brows grow dark with cruel wrath, / Shall Freedom's banner wide be spread / And Hope and Peace attend her path.
White-robed and pure her feet shall move / O'er rifts of ruin deep and wide; / Her hands shall span with lasting love / The chasms rent by hate and pride.
Where waters, blush'd with human gore, / Unsullied streams shall purl along; / Where crashed the battle's awful roar / Shall rise the Freeman's joyful song.
Then ring, aye, ring the freedom bell, / Proclaiming all the nation free; / Let earth with sweet thanksgiving swell / And heaven catch up the melody.