Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: 26. TO J. R. GIDDINGS, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL


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SONNET: 26. TO J. R. GIDDINGS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Giddings, far rougher names than thine have grown
Last Line: With a base dread that clings to them forever.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Giddings, Joshua Reed (1795-1864); Antislavery Movement - United States


GIDDINGS, far rougher names than thine have grown
Smoother than honey on the lips of men;
And thou shalt aye be honorably known,
As one who bravely used his tongue and pen,
As best befits a freeman, -- even for those
To whom our Law's unblushing front denies
A right to plead against the lifelong woes
Which are the Negro's glimpse of Freedom's skies:
Fear nothing, and hope all things, as the Right
Alone may do securely; every hour
The thrones of Ignorance and ancient Night
Lose somewhat of their long-usurped power,
And Freedom's lightest word can make them shiver
With a base dread that clings to them forever.





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