Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
Poems on SlaveryThe Good Part, that shall not be taken away
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In valleys green and cool;
And all her hope and all her pride
Are in the village school.
That robes the hills above,
Though not of earth, encircles there
All things with arms of love.
With praise and mild rebukes;
Subduing e’en rude village churls
By her angelic looks.
Of One who came to save;
To cast the captive’s chains aside
And liberate the slave.
When all men shall be free;
And musical, as silver bells,
Their falling chains shall be.
In decent poverty,
She makes her life one sweet record
And deed of charity.
To break the iron bands
Of those who waited in her hall,
And labored in her lands.
Their outbound sails have sped,
While she, in meek humility,
Now earns her daily bread.
That clothe her with such grace;
Their blessing is the light of peace
That shines upon her face.