Classic Poem

Fair banner of our native land,
Shall thy proud stars and stripes be riven
By faction's voice and treason's hand?
No, no; forbid it, Heaven!
Forbid it, ye who bravely hurled
Defiance at the oppressor's ban,
And won for this broad Western World
Freedom, the rights of man.
Forbid it, ye who proudly reap
The harvest sown by patriot, sage;
Show to all time that ye can keep,
Unstained, your glorious heritage.
Speak, children of the brave and free;
Speak out and let your watchword be
Union forever!

By every pallid face that turns
From burdens it can bear no more;
By every weary heart that yearns
To find a home on Freedom's shore;
By every high and hoary throne
Where tyranny's red banner waves;
By every bitter tear and groan
Of Europe's fair-browed slaves;
By common interest, kindred ties;
By every altar, home and hearth;
By all you cherish, all you prize —
The hope of heaven, the peace of earth;
Speak, children of the brave and free —
Speak out, and let your watchword be
Union forever!

Now is the time for action! Tread
The path our country's fathers trod;
Guard well the shrine to which it led,
And leave the rest to God,
Trusting that his Almighty Power
Will stay the rage of faction's might,
Roll back the clouds that o'er us lower,
And say: " Let there be light! "
Now is the time for action — strike!
Not in hot wrath, with flashing swords,
But be your warfare Christian-like,
Your weapons, soothing words,
Let every land and every sea
Echo the watchword of the free,
Union forever!