Liberty For All

( Originally Published 1927 )

BY WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON

THEY tell me, Liberty ! that in thy name
I may not plead for all the human race;
That some are born to bondage and disgrace,
Some to a heritage of woe and shame,
And some to power supreme, and glorious fame :
With my whole soul I spurn the doctrine base,
And, as an equal brotherhood, embrace
All people, and for all fair freedom claim !
Know this, 0 man ! whate'er thy earthly fate —
God never made a tyrant nor a slave :
Woe, then, to those who dare to desecrate
His glorious image ! - for t0 all He gave
Eternal rights, which none may violate ;
And, by a mighty hand, the oppressed He yet shall save!