Classic Poem

INDEPENDENCE BELL: INDIANAPOLIS, NOVEMBER 17, 1904

THOUGH now forever still
Your voice of jubilee —
We hear — we hear, and ever will,
The Bell of Liberty!
Clear as the voice to them
In that far night agone
Pealed from the heavens o'er Bethlehem,
The voice of Peace peals on!

Stir all your memories up,
O Independence Bell,
And pour from your inverted cup
The song we love so well!
As you rang in the dawn
Of Freedom — tolled the knell
Of Tyranny, — ring on — ring on —
O Independence Bell!

Ring numb the wounds of wrong
Unhealed in brain and breast;
With music like a slumber-song
Lull tearful eyes to rest. —
Ring! Independence Bell!
Ring on till worlds to be
Shall listen to the tale you tell
Of Love and Liberty!