Truth and Freedom

On the page that is immortal,
We the brilliant promise see:
"Ye shall know the truth, my people,
And its might shall make you free!"

For the truth, then, let us battle,
Whatsoever fate betide;
Long the boast that we are freemen,
We have made and publish'd wide.

He who has the truth, and keeps it,
Keeps what not to him belongs —
But performs a selfish action,
That his fellow-mortal wrongs.

He who seeks the truth, and trembles
At the dangers he must brave,
Is not fit to be a freeman —
He at best is but a slave.

He who hears the truth, and places
Its high promptings under ban,
Loud may boast of all that's manly,
But can never be a man!

Friend, this simple lay who readest,
Be not thou like either them —
But to truth give utmost freedom,
And the tide it raises stem.

Bold in speech and bold in action
Be forever! — Time will test,
Of the free-soul'd and the slavish,
Which fulfils life's mission best.

Be thou like the noble ancient —
Scorn the threat that bids thee fear:
Speak! — no matter what betide thee;
Let them strike, but make them hear!

Be thou like the first apostles —
Be thou like heroic Paul:
If a free thought seek expression,
Speak it boldly — speak it all!

Face thine enemies — accusers;
Scorn the prison, rack, or rod;
And, if thou hast truth to utter,
Speak, and leave the rest to God!