Liberty Tree
by Thomas Paine (stanzas 1-4)
Stanzas 5-8 added by Tammy Hulse
Stanzas 5-8 added by Tammy Hulse
In a chariot of light from the regions of day,
The goddess of Liberty came. Ten thousand celestials directed the way, And hither conducted the dame. A fair budding branch from the gardens above, Where millions with millions agree, She brought in her hand, as a pledge of her love, And the plant she named LIBERTY TREE. The celestial exotic struck deep in the ground, Like a native it flourish’d and bore; The fame of its fruit drew the nations around, To seek out this peaceable shore. Unmindful of names or distinctions they came, For freemen like brothers agree; With one spirit endued, they one friendship pursued, And their temple was LIBERTY TREE. Beneath this fair tree, like the patriarchs of old, Their bread in contentment they ate, Unvexed with the troubles of silver and gold, The cares of the grand and the great. With timber and tar they old England supplied, And supported her power on the sea; Her battles they fought, without getting a groat, For the honour of LIBERTY TREE. But hear, oh, ye swains, (’tis a tale most profane,) How all the tyrannical powers, King, commons, and lords, are uniting amain, To cut down this guardian of ours! From the east to the west blow the trumpet to arms! Through the land let the sound of it flee; Let the far and the near all unite, with a cheer, In defense of our LIBERTY TREE |
Pilgrims and patriots came from lands near and far
To battle the tyrants abroad, With meager provisions to engage in a war, United their faith before God. Writing a pledge of fortune, honor, and life With stout hearts that yearned to be free. Troops, undaunted and firm, endured hellish strife For their love of the LIBERTY TREE. With help from the heavens, the army was blessed The first fruits of freedom were saved, But vict’ry complete demanded yet one more quest For the freedom of the slave. Then liberty’s call was extended to all, An emancipation guarantee. Ground hallowed again by those who did fall In memory of LIBERTY TREE. The storms of adversity caused roots to bore deep Over blood-nourished hill and vale. The suffering and sacrifice had been too steep For blessings of freedom to fail! But woe is the story how the fruit had decayed With trust in God taken from history. Without the truth, youth were tempted and swayed From neglect of the LIBERTY TREE. Will a chariot of light come in our most needful hour And breathe hope in hearts of the brave? Will hosts of celestials bequeath unseen power For this honorable cause to save? Only through faith in God as a firm foundation Can the valiants hope to be free And turn to that pow’r that preserved us a nation To rescue our LIBERTY TREE! |