"Laus Deo" - A Poem The title of this poem, Laus Deo, comes from the old Latin Mass and means "Praise be to God!" That the poet saw a divine hand in Congress's passing of the amendment abolishing slavery on January 31, 1865 -- thus putting the capstone on what had been accomplished by four long and arduous years of war -- is evident from the rich biblical imagery used throughout these verses. "Laus Deo" By John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) It is done! Clang of bell and roar of gun Send the tidings up and down. How the belfries...