From “Twasinta’s Seminoles” (Canto III, LI)

And tho’ ’tis sad, in truth it must be said, 
They died for Freedom and for slavery too! 
How noble and ignoble are our dead, 
How recreant to right, and yet how true! 
But o’er a century’s historic view, 
The valiant Seminole we proudly see; 
He died for Freedom; and the trembling few 
Who fled to Florida his wards to be, 
He elevated into freemen’s dignity!