THE FATHERLAND
Where is the true man's fatherland?
Is it alone where freedom is,
Where'er a human heart doth wear
Where'er a single slave doth pine,
James Russell Lowell
Is it where he by chance is born?
Doth not the free-winged spirit scorn
In such pent borders to be spanned?
Oh yes, his fatherland must be
As the blue heavens wide and free!
Where God is God and man is man?
Doth he not claim a broader span
For the soul's love of home than this?
Oh yes! his fatherland must be
As the blue heavens wide and free!
Joy's myrtle wreath, or sorrow's gyves,
Where'er a human spirit strives
After a life more pure and fair,
There is the true man's birthplace grand!
His is a world-wide fatherland!
Where'er one man may help another--
Thank God for such a birthright, brother,--
That spot of earth is thine and mine;
There is the true man's birthplace grand!
His is a world-wide fatherland!
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