John Greenleaf Whittier - Hymn, Sung At Christmas By The Scholars Of St. Helena’s Island, S.C.
OH, none in all the world before <br />Were ever glad as we! <br />We're free on Carolina's shore, <br />We're all at home and free. <br />Thou Friend and Helper of the poor, <br />Who suffered for our sake, <br />To open every prison door, <br />And every yoke to break! <br />Bend low Thy pitying face and mild, <br />And help us sing and pray; <br />The hand that blessed the little child, <br />Upon our foreheads lay. <br />We hear no more the driver's horn, <br />No more the whip we fear, <br />This holy day that saw Thee born <br />Was never half so dear. <br />The very oaks are greener clad, <br />The waters brighter smile; <br />Oh, never shone a day so glad <br />On sweet St. Helen's Isle. <br />We praise Thee in our songs to-day, <br />To Thee in prayer we call, <br />Make swift the feet and straight the way <br />Of freedom unto all. <br />Come once again, O blessed Lord! <br />Come walking on the sea! <br />And let the mainlands hear the word <br />That sets the islands free!<br /><br />John Greenleaf Whittier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymn-sung-at-christmas-by-the-scholars-of-st-helena-s-island-s-c/