The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Margaret Chandler/To the Ladies' Free Produce Society

To the Ladies' Free Produce Society
(These lines were addressed to the Ladies’ “Free Produce Society, ofPhiladelphia,” a short time previous to one of its stated meetings, after he author had removed from the city.)

Your gathering day! and I am not, As erst, amid you set; But even from this distant spot, My thoughts are with you yet, As freshly as in hours forgot, When I was with you met.

His blessing on your high career! Go, press unwearied on, From month to month, from year to year, Till when your task is done, The franchised negro's grateful tear

Oh faint you not, ye gathered band! Although your way be long, And they who ranged against you stand, Are numberless and strong; While you but bear a feeble hand, Unused to cope with wrong.

Upon your injured brother look, And nerve ye with the sight! Could you the good, the gentle, brook To wear your days in light, Regardless that by sorrow struck, He pines in rayless night?

Oh surely 't is a blessed fate, A lot like that ye bear— To bid the crush'd and desolate, Not yield them to despair, For even amidst their low estate, Some hearts their sufferings share.

And never your high task forget, Till they are chainless—free! Alas! that ye should be so met, And I not with you be; Yet sometimes when you thus are set, One heart may turn to me. Proclaims your victory won.