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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FIRST OF AUGUST IN JAMAICA, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hail thou sweet and welcome day
Last Line: And each his brother's burthen bear.


Hail thou sweet and welcome day,
Let the angels join the lay,
And help us swell the anthems high.
Tune all your golden harps once more,
And strike to notes ne'er struck before,
Yea let the morning's zephry-breeze,
Bear the echo o'er the seas;
Let all the islands bond and free,
Proclaim Jamaica's liberty,
And while we praise the God most high
Who rules the heavens, the earth and sky,
Let Queen Victoria honored be
As mother of our liberty.

To-day we gladly congregate,
A happy band to celebrate
The day we rose from slavery's tomb.
Our clanking chains no more are heard;
Our limbs no more by fetters scarred;
Our backs no more are drenched with blood;
Our tears have ceased our cheeks to flood;
Our wives and children, all so dear,
Are bowed around the altar here.
May Hayti gladly catch the gale,
And Portorico tell the tale;
Let the Atlantic's dancing spray
Salute this new-born happy day.

The knee with sacred awe we bend,
With melting hearts once more to spend
This day in free, unfettered praise;
Our thanks belong to God alone,
For He this mighty work has done.
He saw the tyrant wield the lash;
He counted every bleeding gash;
He heard our children beg for bread
Which o'er our master's table spread,
Our scalding tears in silence shed,
Were coals of fire upon his head.
Wake the psaltry, lute and lyre,
And let us set the world on fire.
And may Jehovah blow the flame,
Till all mankind shall see the light
Of knowledge, liberty and right!
Our hands are clear of human blood;
We bought our liberty from God.
Love, joy and peace are now combined
With freedom's golden chain entwined,
Firm united may we stand,
A happy, free and social band;
Each brother feels his brother's care.
And each his brother's burthen bear.





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