Classic Poem

Ay, give us light, more light, to cheer
Our footsteps onward still:
Welcome the star whose bright career
Doth fling o'er vale and hill
Light, — more light!

Methinks I hear the toiling mass,
Who sweat to pamper pride,
Whisper with murmuring lips, " Alas!
And why are we denied
Light, — more light? "

Oh, list! how like the startling wave
That breaks on Ocean's shore
The voice that wakes the mental slave,
Who hardly dares implore
Light, — more light!

True men are they, with lips unsealed,
Men of unfettered mind,
Who seek the light as 'tis revealed
In Nature's teachings kind, —
Light, — more light!

While Truth her glorious banner waves
From high celestial walls,
Strong men will rise e'en from their graves
To catch the light that falls, —
Light, — more light!