p. 11 | LIBERTY VS. TYRANNY by George A. Snyder

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 14, 1906

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 11.

LIBERTY VS. TYRANNY.

By George A. Snyder

[To an extent adapted from "The Antiquity of Freedom."]

LIBERTY! O ancient hero Of the world-wide battle-field! On thy head shines Hope's bright helmet, In thy hand Faith's ample shield. On thy brow I see imprinted Many deep and lasting scars Made through time's succeeding ages In thy foe's unholy wars.

Tyranny, thy pale oppressor, Tho of later birth than thou, Ever watches thee for evil With a frown upon his brow. Strong art thou with constant struggling 'Gainst thy unrelenting foe, Who with subtlety hath ever Compassed thee with pain and wo.

Thou must keep eternal vigil To escape the oppressor's ire As he hurls at thee his javelins Forged in Envy's raging fire. Deep he digs thy silent dungeon, Strong he welds thy binding chain; But his rule will soon be over; Then shall dawn thy peaceful reign.

Thou must often be derided While a cruel crown of thorns Shaped by Tyranny's devising Thy pale, bleeding brow adorns. Thou may'st even be deserted, Pinioned to a cruel cross, Sepulchred in earth's cold bosom, While we mourn our fearful loss.

But the day is fast approaching When thy wounded form shall rise Over Tyranny triumphant, And be carried to the skies. Then shalt thou through ceaseless ages From all strife at last be free. Gladly will we share thy struggles On this road to victory. GEO. A. SNYDER.