Gratitude

Gratitude

Dedicated to the Gentlemen who takes so kind and interest in his behalf.

Joy kindles by thy vital gale,
And breathes true philanthropy;
Thus with delight I hail
The dawn of Liberty.

The song of Gratitude I owe
To thee from whom these pleasures rise,
And strains of praise to thee shall flow,
Until my memory dies.

Far from this dark inclement place
Unto thy sacred beams I'll flee;
Unto the soothing smiles of grace,
The smiles of liberty.

Enraptur'd by the pleasing charm,
Aloud will I my joys proclaim;
And soar above oppression's storm,
And triumph in thy name.

Philanthropy, thou feeling dove,
Whose voice can sound the vassal free,
Upon thy wing of humane love
I'll fly to liberty.

Through inclement seas distress'd,
Where all the storms of hardship roar,
Ere long I humbly hope to rest,
On freedom's peaceful shore.

May Providence reward each man
Who feels such safe regard for me,
And in his breast enroll a plan
Devis'd for liberty.

May all the smiles of Heaven attend
Thy life who thus relieves the poor,
And showers of blessings down descend
To amplify thy store.

Thus may thy feeling heart rejoice,
And cause me to rejoice with thee,
And triumph with a cheerful voice,
The voice of liberty.

G.M. Horton

2:24, p. 190

1828.09.05