For fifty-nine unsparing years Thy Grace hath worked apart To mould a man of iron tears With a bullet for a heart.

Yet, since this body may be weak With all it has to bear, Once more, before Thy thunders speak, Almighty, hear my prayer.

I saw Thee when Thou did display The black man and his lord To bid me free the one, and slay The other with the sword.

I heard Thee when Thou bade me spurn Destruction from my hand And, though all Kansas bleed and burn, It was at Thy command.

I hear the rolling of the wheels, The chariots of war! I hear the breaking of the seals And the opening of the door!