Oh, God in heaven up on high,
How long this cruel strife?
Most I but perish in this den
To end this wretched life?
Is there no justice here on earth?
Must truth remain crushed down
And vile and wicked, cruel man
Forever look and frown?
Is there no power to bring to light
The truth of my offense?
Must perjury and bribery
Prevail forever hence?
Can enemies, vile, cruel things,
Twist truth all out of shape,
And cause one who's not guilty
To morally wear death's crepe?
Oh, God! is there no remedy
For earthly subjects thus
To be relieved from wretched pain
Without this earthly fuss?
Oh, God! to Thee we call for help.
Wil't thou but listen—hear?
Look down upon me as I be,
My innocence thou'lt surely see,
These shackles, bolts, and prison bars,
The heavy locks and massive key—
Hear, Oh, God! Oh, hear my prayer
And set this captive free.