Classic Poem

Hang out the lantern! Let oppression quail!
The pen of history shall record the tale;
A feeble taper, flashing o'er the sea,
But the first signal light of liberty.

Hang out the lantern! Veiled by friendly night,
A watchful horseman waits, to catch the light,
Then warn the sleeping people, far and near;
Who is the patriot rider? Paul Revere.

Ride on! Ride on! O valiant horseman! Wake
Fathers and sons a stern defence to make,
Armed with brave hands and hearts, resolved to be,
Through Heaven's behest, a nation of the free.

The foemen started bravely on their way,
But found the freemen ready for the fray,
Waiting their coming, — men who knew no fear,
Prepared for battle! — roused by Paul Revere.

High thoughts, strong souls, firm wills then showed their power;
Then Independence struck the nation's hour.
The patriots won the day! and Percy's men,
Conquered and broken, sought their camps again.

The feeble lantern in the belfry hung,
With flickering rays o'er the still water's flung, —
A central sun, that nevermore declines, —
Still round the world, a radiant signal, shines.

Strong men, great hearts, the stirring times required,
With matchless zeal and fervent purpose fired,
But none more grandly served the cause so dear,
Than the brave patriot rider, Paul Revere.