We will speak on; we will be heard;
Though all earth's systems crack,
We will not bate a single word,
Nor take a letter back.
We speak the truth; and what care we
For hissing and for scorn
While some faint gleaming we can see
Of Freedom's coming morn!
Let liars fear; let cowards shrink;
Let traitors turn away;
Whatever we have dared to think,
That dare we also say.
--James Russell Lowell.