Sonnet to the North Star

Methinks thou lookest with a kindlier eye
     Than do thy radiant sisters, on the path
     Of the tired fugitive, who flies the wrath
Of the oppressor, while serene on high
Thou smilest in thy beauty, Blessed Star!
     Thou lone “incendiary” of the Northern sky!
     Unquenchable beacon-fire of Liberty!
Shining in love, from thy blue home afar—
To thee, in hope, the toil-worn bondman turns,
     Through the long night, his sleepless eye, and presses
     Pantingly on through tangled wildernesses
To Freedom’s land, for which his spirit yearns!
Shine on, thou bright “fanatic!” for the arm
Of hangmen “patriarchs” cannot do thee harm!