On the record
Sir Giles Overreach, attempting to draw his sword, found it “glued to the scabbard with wronged orphans’ tears.” God forbid that our soldiers shall find their swords “glued” with the tears of the slave!
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner uses a metaphor to illustrate the moral imperative of ensuring soldiers do not fight for slavery.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
Other voices in this conversation
