Thomas Young, O.G.L., in the Richmond Planet, February 17, 1900:

Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-Five,
The blessed news was heard,
Those that were bound, it gave new life,
To hear those happy words.

Three million of them were turned loose,
Without a penny or friend,
Like an infant in its youth,
No power was given them.

They began to work and persevere,
And seek for wisdom and light,
Believing God his mercies would share
And lead them out of night.

How anxious they were to learn,
The mysteries of might.
Both old and young were concerned,
About their citizens’ rights.

A very short time they began to prove
To the superior race,
that pride and freedom makes them move,
And power and knowledge embrace.

In the sunny southern lands,
Where they were once bound down,
With heavy hearts and weary hands,
They hoped to hear the sound.

They can master trades to-day,
And are noted for their skill.
They have never become dismay
Since climbing up wisdom’s hill.

They to-day give thanks to God
For the blessing he has given,
For the sounding of those precious words,
The bound ones now are free.

Did they stop there? Why, no indeed!
They ventured further on.
Every nation can plainly see,
The victory they have won.

Some day there will be a banner,
Waving over land and sea.
Millions shouting a loud Hosannah!
Ethiopia at last is free!