Freedom.
Reading edition
How sweet thou art, O freedom. To every human heart—
Man's privilege most sacred. His being's noblest part.
Thou priceless, great possession, Without thee life were done!
Its sun gone down forever, For thou and life are one.
How dear thou art, O freedom— Our birthright here below!
Chief blessing of all blessings Kind heaven doth bestow.
Deprived by dark misfortune Of every other joy,
Naught while thou still remainest Can happiness destroy.
But thou, O prison penance, Dark shadow by life's board!
Of all that men hold mournful Thou art the fullest stored.
There's naught on earth worth having If't must be shared with thee—
O happy, holy freedom! O heaven, set me free.
