80
THE LEAP FROM THE LONG BRIDGE.
AN INCIDENT AT WASHINGTON.
A woman once made her escape from the slave-prison, which stands midway between the Capitol and the President's house, and ran for the Long Bridge, crossing the Potomac to the extensive grounds and woodlands of Arlington Place.
Now rest for the wretched. The long day is past,
And night on yon prison descendeth at last.
Now lock up and bolt.—Ha, jailer! look there!
Who flies like a wild-bird escaped from the snare?
A woman,—a slave! Up! out in pursuit,
While linger some gleams of the day!
Ho! rally thy hunters, with halloo and shout,
To chase down the game,—and away!
And night on yon prison descendeth at last.
Now lock up and bolt.—Ha, jailer! look there!
Who flies like a wild-bird escaped from the snare?
A woman,—a slave! Up! out in pursuit,
While linger some gleams of the day!
Ho! rally thy hunters, with halloo and shout,
To chase down the game,—and away!
A bold race for freedom!—On, fugitive, on!
Heaven help but the right, and thy freedom is won.
How eager she drinks the free air of the plains!
Every limb, every nerve, every fibre, she strains;
Heaven help but the right, and thy freedom is won.
How eager she drinks the free air of the plains!
Every limb, every nerve, every fibre, she strains;
