Strike off my galling fetters — strike!
My shackles rend in twain,
Unloose the yoke from off my neck,
And break my heavy chain;
Oh! let the breath of liberty
My burning temples fan;
For has not God created me,
A brother and a man?

And let the Sun of Righteousness,
Whence ev'ry blessing springs,
Arise upon my darken'd mind,
With healing in his wings.
Oh! ask me not if liberty
Would youthful fires renew;
Or if I'd feel one single pang,
To bid my chains adieu:

Go — ask the lion, fierce and wild,
With iron bars confin'd,
If he would like to roam at large,
And leave his den behind:
Or, ask the eagle, proud and bold,
Who'd cut the liquid air,
If he would like to leave his cage,
And freedom's blessings share?

Ask them — and as the gleams of fire
Flash from each blazing eye,
Read in their lightning-glance, their stern
And eloquent reply.
Then Christian! why the fetter bind
Upon a brother's frame,
When nature from her inmost soul,
Doth freedom's law proclaim?

Tear off my bonds, release my limbs,
And set my spirit free;
And let me revel in the sweets
Of new-born liberty.
Then shall thy righteousness shine forth
Bright as the dawn of day;
God's glory shall thy rearward be,
If thou wilt thus obey.