Vain be the rare genius of sage or of scholar,
Philosophy's nursling, or gifted of song;
Vain, minds of rich culture, with tones of choice music,
If cradled in falsity, nurtured in wrong.
But cloudless the intellect sunned of fair Freedom;
Full lofty the soul which, with feelings refined,
Doth lift up a voice for the weal of the nations;
Ennobling with sympathy all of his kind.
Fair Freedom! thou star in the night of the ages!
Thou radiant in fervor! thou essence divine!
He! highest in soul-height, doth build up thine altars;
While devotees faithful, bend low at thy shrine.
The far-seeing wisdom of mercy which hailed thee,
Hath wooed thee to listen the suppliant's song;
Hath wooed and hath won thee through love, lit of reason;--
Heaven's benison laurel the healer of wrong!