The Song Of Slaughter. Poem by Samuel Bamford

Parent of the wide creation,
We would counsel ask of Thee;
Look upon a mighty nation,
Rousing from its slavery.

If to men our wrongs are stated,
We are but the faster bound,
All our actions reprobated,
No redress for us is found.

Thou hast made us to inherit
Strength of body, daring mind;
Shall we rise, and in thy spirit
Tear away the chains that bind?

Chains, but forgèd to degrade us,
Oh, the base indignity!
In the name of Him who made us,
We will perish, or be free.