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So strong to suffer, shall we be

Weak to contend, and break

The sinews of the Oppressor's knee

That grinds upon the neck?

O, the garments rolled in blood

Scorch in cities wrapped in flame,

And the African—the imp!

He gibbers, imputing shame.

Shall Time, avenging every woe,

To us that joy allot

Which Israel thrilled when Sisera's brow

Showed gaunt and showed the clot?

Curse on their foreheads, cheeks, and eyes—

The Northern faces—true

To the flag we hate, the flag whose stars

Like planets strike us through.