Arise, and shine on us, thou cheering North Star!
We watch for thy dawning, with joy, from afar;
With kindling emotion we hail thy first ray:
'Twill illumine our darkness, and guide us till day.
Though deep be the shadow of Slavery's night,
In which millions are groping in chains, without light,
Thou, bright star of beauty and hope, shalt arise,
Dispelling this midnight gloom, cheering all eyes.
And for thee, our dear brother, whose onward career
Is checked by no danger, is stayed by no fear,
Though mighty thy foes are, and urgent thy need,
We charge thee, look upward! we bid thee Godspeed!
On, on! thou brave champion of liberty's cause;
Unfurl Freedom's flag; blot out Tyranny's laws;
"God and the right!" be thy constant war-cry,
Till Oppression's hold ceases, and Slavery die.
It cometh! it cometh! that day so much blest!
Sound ye victory's trumpet, from cast unto west!
To the north say, "Give up;" "Keep not back," to thy south—
Jehovah hath said—Hear the words of his mouth.