By the rude bridge that arched the flood, And fired the shot heard round the world. The foe long since in silence slept; 5 ΙΟ 15 20 25 And Time the ruined bridge has swept Down the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft stream, Spirit, that made those heroes dare THE BATTLE-FIELD (1837) BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT Ah! never shall the land forget How gushed the life-blood of her brave - Now all is calm, and fresh, and still; And bell of wandering kine are heard. No solemn host goes trailing by The black-mouthed gun and staggering wain; Men start not at the battle-cry, Oh, be it never heard again! Soon rested those who fought; but thou A friendless warfare! lingering long Yet nerve thy spirit to the proof, The sage may frown yet faint thou not. Nor heed the shaft too surely cast, Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again; Yea, though thou lie upon the dust When they who helped thee flee in fear, Die full of hope and manly trust, Like those who fell in battle here. Another hand thy sword shall wield, 5 IO 15 20 25 5 ΙΟ 15 20 25 COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN (1843) BY DAVID T. SHAW AND THOMAS À BECKET° O COLUMBIA, the gem of the ocean, The Home of the brave and the free, Chorus When borne by the red, white, and blue, When war winged its wide desolation And threatened the land to deform, The boast of the red, white, and blue. The wine cup, the wine cup bring hither, Cho. May the wreaths they have won never wither, Nor the star of their glory grow dim! May the service united ne'er sever, But they to their colors prove true! The Army and Navy forever! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue! - Cho. |