Classic Poem

Hail to the morn, when a nation arising,
Sprung to existence, unaided, alone;
When Liberty's champions, thraldom despising,
Burst from the bonds which around them were thrown!
Swift let the cannon's roar
Spread to our farthest shore,
Loud sound the trump to the ends of the earth!
High o'er oppression's grave,
Proud let our banners wave,
Welcome this jubilee day of our birth!

Sad was the time when our sky was o'erclouded;
Liberty, weeping, her wrongs did deplore;
When tyrants prevail'd and our country was crowded
With lawless invaders polluting our shore.
Then first our sires arose,
Firmly attacked their foes,
Freedom or death did our sages declare,
Fleet was the warrior's dart,
Brave was the hero's heart,
Valiant the hosts which advanced to the war.

Dark was the hour when, our forces surrounding,
Britain's proud foeman exultingly came,

When the fierce savage, the war-whoop resounding,
Mothers and orphans consigned to the flame.
Swift burst the battle's storm,
Wide spread the dire alarm,
Far did the echo extend o'er the plain:
Loud was the dying groan,
Sad rose the widow's moan,
Crimson with gore was the field of the slain.

“Charge for our country and nobly defend her!”
Rung through our forces by land and by sea,—
Soon was the foeman compell'd to surrender,
And warrior's and sages were rescued and free.
Praised be the bravery
That saved us from slavery,
Fame to our chiefs till the last sun is set!
Stark, Putnam, Gates and Greene,
Wayne, Sumpter, Sullivan,
Warren, Montgomery and brave Lafayette!

Wide as the world be our W ASHINGTON'S glory,
Fadeless his wisdom and virtue will shine;
When princes and thrones shall remain but in story,
The patriot's heart shall be W ASHINGTON'S shrine.
First on the field of blood,
Firm as a rock he stood,
Leading his host like the pillar of flame;
Pure was his noble breast,
Peace was its constant guest.
Bright and immortal be W ASHINGTON'S name.

“Praise to Jehovah!” his mandate is spoken;
Liberty's banners his pow'r has unfurl'd!
“He the strong fetters of slavery has broken,”
And freedom and science illumine the world.
Humbly before him fall,
Own him the Lord of all,
He o'er the universe ruleth alone;
Loud let your voices raise
Anthems of joyful praise;
Glory to God, who our foes hath o'erthrown!