We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.

Those who are used to a cage
will weep for a cage.

Those who are used to a cage
will weep for a cage.

Here the free spirit of mankind, at length,
Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place
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Here the free spirit of mankind, at length,
Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place
A limit to the giant's unchained strength,
Or curb his swiftness in the forward race?

. . . for righteous monarchs,
Justly to judge, with their own eyes should see;
To rule read more

. . . for righteous monarchs,
Justly to judge, with their own eyes should see;
To rule o'er freemen, should themselves be free.

Hereditary bondsmen! Know ye not
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow?

Hereditary bondsmen! Know ye not
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow?

While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.

While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.

People demand freedom only when they have no power.

People demand freedom only when they have no power.

Freedom is not an ideal, it is not even a protection, if it means nothing more than the freedom to read more

Freedom is not an ideal, it is not even a protection, if it means nothing more than the freedom to stagnate.

Yet, Freedom! yet thy banner, torn, but flying,
Streams like the thunder-storm against the wind.

Yet, Freedom! yet thy banner, torn, but flying,
Streams like the thunder-storm against the wind.