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"I know the men who would be free; They are the heroes of your land;But death and torture I defy, Ere I betray that band.
And what! oh, what is life to me, Beneath your base control?Nay! do your worst. Ye have no chains To bind my free-born soul."
They brought the hateful lash and scourge, With murder in each eye.But a solemn vow was on his lips— He had resolved to die.
Yes, rather than betray his trust, He'd meet a death of pain;'T was sweeter far to meet it thus Than wear a treason stain!
Like storms of wrath, of hate and pain, The blows rained thick and fast;But the monarch soul kept true Till the gates of life were past.
And the martyr spirit fled To the throne of God on high,And showed his gaping wounds Before the unslumbering eye.
