Classic Poem

Think of our country's glory,
All dimm'd with Afric's tears;
Her banner stain'd and gory,
With hoarded guilt of years!

Think of the frantic mother,
Lamenting for her child;
Till falling lashes smother
Her cries of anguish wild!

Think of the pray'rs ascending,
Yet shriek'd, alas! in vain;
When heart from heart is rending,
Ne'er to be join'd again.

Shall we behold, unheeding,
Life's noblest feelings crush'd?
When woman's heart is bleeding,
Shall woman's voice be hush'd?

Ah no! by ev'ry blessing
That Heav'n to thee may send,
Remember their oppression —
Forget not, sister! friend!