University of Virginia Library

Already in the tented field
Are thy proud hosts that will not yield—
Already are they sweeping forth,
Like mighty whirlwinds from the North,
And from the East and West afar
With earthquake tread they press to war,
Until, from where Atlantic raves,
And wildly beats his rock-bound shore,
To where the calm Pacific laves
A land of fruits and shining oar,
The thundering voice of Mars is heard,
And echoing vales repeat each word,
And mountains tremble to their base!
For lo! in arms a mighty race,
Of mighty genius, mighty strength,
Have ta'en the field as foes at length,—
A nation, whom but yesterday
The bands of union joined in one,
Now clad in war's dread panoply,
Their marshaling hosts to battle run.
But not as blind ambition's slaves
Rush wildly on those breathing waves:
Nor as the dread sirocco's breath,
All indiscriminate in death—
But they (as freemen should and must,
When ruthless, ruffian hands assail
Their rightful cause of sacred trust,
And 'gainst that cause would fain prevail),
Have seized the rifle, sword and spear,
And charged upon the foeman near.