Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
72 LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
handsome edifices owned by colored people in
the country. The church, beautifully and tastefully
decorated with flags and bunting, was illuminated
with lights of various colors. Rev. Dr.
T. G. Stewart presided. After music by the
choir of the church, Rev. Walter Brooks recited
the following original poem:—
ODE OF WELCOME.
Honor the statesman now returning
From the shores of France and Spain,
From the British Isles and mainland,
To his native home again.
Honor the man whose potent speeches
In the world both old and new,
Now for him a fame undying
Made the bondman friends most true.
Honor the old man in his glory,
Read the story of his life,
Tell it to your sons and daughters
Till they feel the bitter strife.
Strife for freedom, land, and manhood,
Strife for all the rights of men,
Hold him up the friend of letters,
In his threescore years and ten.
Hold him up a people's leader,
In the struggle which we wage
'Gainst oppression dark and cruel,
Honor him, the prince and sage.
Honor him, and hail him welcome,
Welcome Frederick Douglass here,
Where he made long fight for freedom,
Wielding tongue of fire e'er.