I Am an Abolitionist
by William Lloyd Garrison
1848
I am an Abolitionist! I glory in the name:
Though now by Slavery's minions hiss'd
And covered o'er with shame,
It is a spell of light and power--
The watchword of the free:--
Who spurns it in the trial-hour, A craven soul is he!
I am an Abolitionist!
Then urge me not to pause;
For joyfully do I enlist In FREEDOM'S sacred cause:
A nobler strife the world ne'er saw,
Th'enslaved to disenthral; I am a soldier for the war,
Whatever may befall!
I am an Abolitionist!
Oppression's deadly foe;
In God's great strength will I resist,
And lay the monster low;
In God's great name do I demand,
To all be freedom given,
That peace and joy may fill the land,
And songs go up to heaven!
I am an Abolitionist!
No threats shall awe my soul,
No perils cause me to desist,
No bribes my nets control;
A freeman will I live and die,
In sunshine and in shade,
And raise my voice for liberty,
Of nought on earth afraid.