I've seen, in Democratic States,
Within the Nation's Hall,
Where Congress meets, and legislates
About the rights of all;

A legal trade in human flesh,
That most of men despise;
And men bought for the market—fresh!—
Before the members' eyes.

I've seen the Southern members rave,
And in their places swear,
Because some poor, degraded slave
Had offer'd them a prayer!

I've seen the trafficker in blood,
With coppels on before,
Drive by, while legislators stood
Discussing on the floor—

Declaiming, loudly, to the world
That all this land is free,
And, with their stripes and stars unfurl'd,
They shouted 'Liberty!'

I've seen excitement raging high
Throughout this wide domain,
Because some slaves had dared to fly
From slav'ry's galling chain.

I've seen in these United States—
This consecrated soil—
Men bought and sold by pounds and weights,
In Southern fields to toil.

I've seen a slave, though not by day,
Whose back was mark'd with scars,
Unable to discern his way,
Stand gazing at the stars.

I've seen the hunter on his track,
And men and dogs at bay,
Determined to regain him back
This side of Canada.

I've seen—the half I ne'er can tell,
Of chains, and slaves, and strife;
I've seen the priest and man-thief sell
His brother man for life.