midnight
They gloat over the privileges of a free country ; and , as Romescos recounts each proceeding , -- tracing it into the lowest depths of human villainy , they sing songs to right , justice , freedom-they praise the bounties of a great country . How different is the picture below ! Beneath this plotting conclave , devising schemes to defraud human nature of its rights , to bring poverty and disgrace upon happy families-all in accordance with the law-are chained in narrow cells poor mortals , hoping for an end to their dreary existence , pining under the weight of pinions dashing their very souls into endless despair . A tale of freedom is being told above , but their chains of death clank in solemn music as the midnight revelry sports with the very agony of their sorrows . Oh ! who has made their lives a wanton jest ? - can it be the will of heaven , or is it the birthright of a downtrodden race ?