Classic Poem

Oh, Northern men—true hearts and bold—
Unflinching to the conflict press!
Firmly our country's flag uphold,
Till traitorous foes its sway confess!

Not lightly was our freedom bought.
By many a martyr's cross and grave;
Six weary years our fathers fought,
'Midst want and peril, sternly brave.

And thrice six years, with tightening coil,
Still closer wound by treacherous art,
Men—children of our common soil—
Have preyed upon the nation's heart!

Yet still it beats, responsive, deep,
Its strong pulse throbbing through the land,
Gathering a human flood, to sweep
Resistless, o'er the rebel band!

Firmly resolved to win success,
We'll tread the path our fathers trod,
Unflinching to the conflict press,
And, fearless, trust our cause to God!