Classic Poem

Song of the past, that marching thousands sing,
What sound is this — what note, unheard before,
Blends with the stormy symphonies that ring
From Omaha to either ocean's shore?

War for humanity! Christ, and can there be
From Christian nations scoffs or faint reply?
Soon will the world no other battles see,
And to no other drum-beat, soldiers die.

Live on, great song! Shall need be, let thy strain
Call liberty to arms in future wars;
Still show, O radiant flag, on sea and main,
Thy stripes to tyrants, to the free thy stars!

Star-spangled banner, still be borne on high,
First, and in front of freedom's struggling line;
Though there shall be no friendly standard nigh,
Besides, O great and kindred nation, thine!

And thou, fling out the meteor flag — once ours —
In dreadful, or in righteous victories waved;
Sometimes in triumphs of despotic powers,
But often o'er the cause of freedom saved.

Show the Red Cross, and read aright the sign,
" In this, " and with it, " conquer " ; that unfurled
Above thy Christian cohort, Constantine,
Gave Rome a Caesar, and to Christ the world.