Classic Poem

H ail , son of Columbia! the patriot flame
Burns bright in each breast while we tell of thy fame;
We have heard of the deeds thou so nobly hast done,
We have heard of thy battles so fearlessly won.

Thou hast carried our flag to a far distant shore;
See! it streams from the towers of Juan d'Ulloa;
And the eagle hath perched on those battlements high,
To rest in his course through the blue vaulted sky.

When the war-cloud hung dark, 'twas thy voice that inspired,
And the hearts of thy soldiers with energy fired;
The foremost in battle, the fearless in fight,
While thy sword in the sunbeam was glittering bright.

In the halls of Mont'zuma now revel the brave,
'Tis thine arm that hath conquered the Mexican slave;
Thou hast buried thy sword in the enemy's breast,
They quailed at thy glance — thou hast laid them at rest.

A prey to the vultures that thirsted for gore,
They fell by the town of St. Juan d'Ulloa;
And the raven's wild screech will their requiem be,
While around them is floating the flag of the free.

The bugle is hushed, and the cannon's loud roar
Shall wake thee from slumber to battle no more;
Thy hand we now grasp, and we hail thee with pride,
As we would all the heroes who fought by thy side.

Yes, welcome, thrice welcome, again and again!
With transport unbounded we echo the strain;
Thy triumphs so glorious, shall ne'er be forgot —
Hurrah for the patriot General Scott!

CHORUS .

Hark! hark! what merry shouts of joy
Proclaim a conqueror near;
He comes, a noble hero comes,
Oh, bid him welcome here.

Brave General, thou hast nobly fought,
Rest from thy toils awhile;
Thy native land her arms extends,
And greets thee with a smile.

Yes, sheathe thy sword, for gentle peace
Her silvery wings hath spread,
Where thou to meet thy country's foe,
A fearless band hast led.

Hurrah, hurrah, for General Scott,
His name we'll proudly sing;
The north, the south, the east, the west,
Shall with his triumph ring.