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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG by EBENEZER ELLIOTT

First Line: CHILD, IS THY FATHER DEAD?
Last Line: YES, YE HAVE ONE!
Subject(s): FREEDOM; LIBERTY;

Child, is thy father dead?
Father is gone!
Why did they tax his bread?
God's will be done!
Mother has sold her bed;
Better to die than wed!
Where shall she lay her head?
Home we have none!
Father clamm'd thrice a week,
God's will be done!
Long for work did he seek,
Work he found none.
Tears on his hollow cheek
Told what no tongue could speak:
Why did his master break?
God's will be done!
Doctor said air was best,
Food we had none;
Father, with panting breast,
Groan'd to be gone:
Now he is with the blest --
Mother says death is best!
We have no place of rest --
Yes, ye have one!



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