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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NEW HAMPSHIRE by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER

Poet Analysis

First Line: GOD BLESS NEW HAMPSHIRE! FROM HER GRANITE PEAKS
Last Line: WHAT ONE BRAVE STATE HATH DONE, CAN YE NOT ALSO DO?
Subject(s): EMANCIPATION MOVEMENT & PROCLAMATION; NEW HAMPSHIRE; ANTISLAVERY MOVEMENT - UNITED STATES;

1'45.

GOD bless New Hampshire! -- from her granite peaks
Once more the voice of Stark and Langdon speaks.
The long-bound vassal of the exulting South
For very shame her self-forged chain has broken, --
Torn the black seal of slavery from her mouth,
And in the clear tones of her old time spoken!
O all undreamed-of, all unhoped-for changes! --
The tyrant's ally proves his sternest foe;
To all his biddings, from her mountain ranges,
New Hampshire thunders an indignant No!

Who is it now despairs? O faint of heart,
Look upward to those Northern mountains cold,
Flouted by Freedom's victor-flag unrolled,
And gather strength to bear a manlier part!
All is not lost. The angel of God's blessing
Encamps with Freedom on the field of fight;
Still to her banner, day by day, are pressing,
Unlooked-for allies, striking for the right!
Courage, then, Northern hearts! --Be firm, be true:
What one brave state hath done, can ye not also do?



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