My Country + 

Oh! speak not of heathenish darkness again, + 

Nor tell me of lands held in error’s dread chain! + 

Where⁠—where is the nation so erring as we, + 

Who claim the proud name of the “home of the free”! + 

What a throb do the lov’d ties of country awake + 

In the heart of the exile!⁠—for time cannot break + 

The sweet vision of home, and all he loved well, + 

Which has thrown o’er his pathway a magical spell. + 

Can the name of “my country”⁠—the deeds which we sing⁠— + 

Be honored⁠—revered⁠—’midst pollution and sin? + 

Can the names of our fathers who perished in fight, + 

Be hallowed in story, midst slavery’s blight? + 

When America’s standard is floating so fair, + 

I blush that the impress of falsehood is there; + 

That oppression and mockery dim the high fame, + 

That seeks from all nations a patriot’s name. + 

Speak not of “my country,” unless she shall be, + 

In truth, the bright home of the “brave and the free!” + 

Till the dark stain of slavery is washed from her hand, + 

A tribute of homage she cannot command. + 