National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/Introduction

by Felicia Hemans

For other versions of this work, see Songs of Captivity.

SONGS OF CAPTIVITY.

---

INTRODUCTION.

One hour for distant homes to weep
    'Midst Afric's burning sands,
One silent sunset hour was given
    To the slaves of many lands.

They sat beneath a lonely palm,
    In the gardens of their lord;
And mingling with the fountain's tune,
    Their songs of exile poured.

And strangely, sadly, did those lays
    Of Alp and Ocean sound,
With Afric's wild red skies above,
    And solemn wastes around.

Broken with tears were oft their tones,
    And most when most they tried
To breathe of hope and liberty,
    From hearts that inly died.

So met the sons of many lands,
    Parted by mount and main;
So did they sing in brotherhood,
    Made kindred by the chain.