Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
74 LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
Wrath that burned like fire consuming,
Till this nation rent in twain,
On the issue denouncing bondage,
With its blood washed out the stain.
Mr. Brooks having concluded his poem, which
throughout the recital pleased and entertained
the audience, Professor W- S. Montgomery, in
scholarly language, made the opening address, and
then Rev. C. W- Handy welcomed the distinguished
guest in the following eloquent words:—
" Mr. Douglass, permit me on behalf and in the
name of your fellow citizens, not only of the District
of Columbia, but of our common country, to
most cordially congratulate you upon your safe
return to the land of your home, to the scenes of
your labors, the old arena of your almost matchless
triumphs.
" Honored sir, we come to greet you, we come to
talk and have you talk with us, we come as old
friends, as good neighbors, to shake your honest
hand and to congratulate you on your return
home from England, France, Germany, from all
Europe, from Egypt and the dark continent.
Again, sir, we welcome you to your home, your
family, and to your friends. Long may you live,
far and wide may your influence and usefulness
be felt, ever may you be under the fostering care
of the great I Am, until time with you shall emerge
into the ocean of eternity. I now take great pleas-