I look'd across the waters, but clouds rose thick and

black,

As o'er that ocean pathway loom'd dark mists upon the

track;

They stay'd the promis'd dawning of a brighter better

day,

The morning seem'd outbursting, but your slave land hid the way!

I cannot, oh, my brethren, check that one absorbing thought

That on your soil of liberty, your fellow's blood is bought! That millions of our human race your chains and bondage hold!

That, like the cattle of the field, that human race is sold !

What boots your blazon'd motto, "All men are equal, free,"

When thus to vilest tyranny ye bend your helot knee? What heed your tyrant merchants in their foul human mart,

The pinings of affection, or the mother's bursting heart?

Oh, cast for ever from your shores this foul blot on your

name,

Nor let your spangled banner wave at once your boast and shame!

Those stars upon its azure field, they tell of truth and

light;

Those stripes upon its ample folds, proclaim oppression's might!

How puerile is your pleading, "that the shackle of the slave;

"The bondage of the negro is the legacy we gave;" How vain your empty boasting "that ye Old World follies shun,"

If thus ye shrine and bow before the darkest, deadliest

one.

I see through mists of coming years, fell retribution's wrath,

Stand forth amid the future like a demon in your path; There's severance in your councils, there's discord in his train,

Ah, never yet a people's wail was urg'd to God in vain!

Fulfil your glorious mission, and future ages well
May point for you a brighter path, a fairer record tell ;
Stand forth amid the Nations! Diffuse the light God
gave!

Slave!

Deliv'rance to the Captive One! aye, Freedom to the W. H. PATCHING.

THE BANNER OF BROTHERHOOD.

NOT with the flashing steel,
Not with the cannon's peal,
Nor stir of drum,

But in the bonds of love,
Our white flag floats above;
Its emblem is the dove,

'Tis thus we come.

The laws of Christian light,
These are our weapons bright,
Our mighty shield:
Christ is our leader high,

And the broad plains which lie
Beneath the blessed sky,

Our battle-field.

What is the great intent,
On which each heart is bent,

Our hosts among?

It is that hate may die,

That war's red curse may fly,
And war's high praise, for aye,

No more be sung.

That all the poor may rest,
Beneath their own vines blest,
In glorious peace;

That death and hell may yield,
And human hearts long steeled,
By love's pure drops unsealed,
From warfare cease.

Oh, then! in God's great name,
Let each pure spirit's flame
Burn bright and clear;
Stand firmly in your lot,
Cry ye aloud, doubt not,
Be every fear forgot,

Christ leads us here.

So shall earth's distant lands,
In happy, holy bands,
One brotherhood,

Together rise and sing,
Gifts to one altar bring,
And heaven's eternel King
Pronounce it good.

ELNATHAN DAVIS.

C

THE ARSENAL.

THIS is the Arsenal! from floor to ceiling,
Like a huge organ, rise the burnished arms;
But from their silent pipes no anthem pealing,
Startles the villages with strange alarms.

Ah! what a sound will rise, how wild and dreary,
When the death angel touches those swift keys!
What loud lament and dismal miséréré

Will mingle with their awful symphonies!

I hear, even now, the infinite fierce chorus,
The cries of agony, the endless groan,
Which, through the ages that have gone before us,
In long reverberations reach our own.

On helm and cuirass rings the Saxon hammer, Through Cimbric forest roars the Norseman's song; And loud, amid the universal clamour,

O'er distant deserts sounds the Tartar gong.

I hear the Florentine, who from his palace
Wheels out his battle-bell with dreadful din ;
And Aztec priests upon their teocallis,

Beat the wild war-drums made of serpents' skin.