This page has been validated.
THE YEAR OF EMANCIPATION.JANUARY 1, 1864.
AW ye, when Azrael's sword of might had touched the Old Year's heart,Heaven's guarded gates at noon of night in silent glory part?Heard ye the angel's challenge ring from starry heights sublime?"What ho! thy finished records bring, thou who art done with Time!"Then rose the sovereign from his bier, pale as the glaciers areThat on their mountain-levels hear the voice of God afar:With brow serene and eye that braved the sky's supernal light,His cloud-dividing wings he waved, in far, majestic flight.
"Hast thou no joyful news, O Year?" cried that celestial voice:"No word, that rolled from sphere to sphere, shall bid the heavens rejoice?
