PHILADELPHIA, 1776.
Squarely prim and stoutly built,
Free from glitter and from gilt,
Plain,—from lintel up to roof-tree and to belfry bare and brown—
Stands the Hall that hot July,—
While the folk throng anxious by,—
Where the Continental Congress meets within the Quaker town.
Hark! a stir, a sudden shout,
And a boy comes rushing out,
Signaling to where his grandsire in the belfry, waiting, stands;—
“Ring!” he cries; “the deed is done!
Ring! they’ve signed, and freedom’s won!”
And the ringer grasps the bell-rope with his strong and sturdy hands;
While the bell, with joyous note
Clanging from its brazen throat,
Rings the tidings, all-exultant,—peals the news to shore and sea:
“Man is man—a slave no longer;
Truth and Right than Might are stronger,
Praise to God! We’re free; we’re free!”
