FREEDOM.

The prisoned bird doth oftimes sing Behind its prison bars; But sweeter far its song would be If carolled to the stars. Just ope his door, he flies aloft, The hills with music ring. Exultant notes of melody The bird when free, will sing. When once is gained his liberty, Each day new joys to meet, He looks not back to prison home, His freedom is so sweet. No morsel giv’n, no word of love Will tempt him back to cage. Though he may often lack for food, He now hath freedom’s wage. And so with soul, when once ’tis free, It sings sweet notes of joy; Loud hallelujahs will send forth, In them is no alloy. When once the soul escapes its bonds To soar above the stars, Has broken chains, and freedom gained, It ne’er goes back to bars. It soars aloft, a happy soul, E’en to bright heaven’s dome. Emancipated it is now From narrow gilded home. Then soul be free from error’s chain, And break the bars that bind You to your prison cell so dark; Then freedom you will find. No more you’ll sup on prison food, Contented with a crumb That falls to you from gaoler’s hand, To truth forever dumb. When once the soul its prison leaves, It finds such sweet relief In knowing that the truth it hath, Instead of a belief.