What notes assail mine ear,
Borne on by ev'ry gale!
Soul-piercing shrieks I hear —
The bondman's dying wail!
My blood in ev'ry vein it thrills,
And all my heart with pity fills.

For them no cheering light
Illumes the op'ning tomb;
Beyond is dismal night,
And darkest, densest gloom:
No offer'd grace dispels their fears;
No world of bliss to them appears.

Must these poor souls descend
To regions of despair,
And never know the Friend,
Whose mercy pain would spare?
Dear brethren! no, before they die,
Oh! let us to their rescue fly.