  [Image unavailable.] J. R. Lowell Where is the true man’s fatherland? Is it where he by chance is born? Doth not the yearning spirit scorn In such scant borders to be spanned? O yes! his fatherland must be As the blue heaven wide and free! Is it alone where freedom is, Where God is God, and man is man? Doth he not claim a broader span For the soul’s love of home than this? O yes! his fatherland must be As the blue heaven wide and free! Where’er a human heart doth wear Joy’s myrtle-wreath or sorrow’s gyves, Where’er a human spirit strives After a life more true and fair— There is the true man’s birthplace grand; His is a world-wide fatherland! Where’er a single slave doth pine, Where’er one man may help another— Thank God for such a birthright, brother— That spot of earth is thine and mine! There is the true man’s birthplace grand; His is a world-wide fatherland! |
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