William Cowper

The sinews of affairs are cut.

The sinews of affairs are cut.

'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower
Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume;
And we are read more

'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower
Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume;
And we are weeds without it.

No, Freedom has a thousand charms to show
That slaves, howe'er contented, never know.

No, Freedom has a thousand charms to show
That slaves, howe'er contented, never know.

I would not have a slave to till my ground,
To carry me, to fan me while I sleep,
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I would not have a slave to till my ground,
To carry me, to fan me while I sleep,
And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth
That sinews bought and sold have ever earn'd.

Dream after dream ensues;
And still they dream that they shall still succeed;
And still are disappointed.

Dream after dream ensues;
And still they dream that they shall still succeed;
And still are disappointed.