Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE FIRST OF AUGUST, by ANN PLATO


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE FIRST OF AUGUST, by                    
First Line: Britannia's isles proclaim
Last Line: That they may not depart.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Great Britain - Commonwealth & Colonies; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; British Empire; England - Empire; Serfs


Britannia's isles proclaim
That freedom is their theme;
And we do view those honored lands
With soul-delighting mien.

And unto those they held in gloom,
Gave ev'ry one their right;
They did disdain fell slavery's shade,
And trust in freedom's light.

Then unto ev'ry British blood,
Their noble worth revere,
And think them ever noble men,
And like them hence appear.

And when on Britain's isles remote
We're then in freedom's bounds,
And while we stand on British ground,
"You're free -- you're free!" resounds.

Life ye that country's banner high,
And may it nobly wave,
Until beneath the azure sky,
Man shall be no more a slave.

And, oh, when youth's ecstatic hour,
When winds and torrents foam,
And passion's glowing noon are past
To bless that free born home;

Then let us celebrate the day
And lay the thought to heart,
And teach the rising race the way
That they may not depart.





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