 | Areytos or songs and ballads of the South |  |
PALO ALTO AND RESACA DE LA PALMA.
I.
Now, while our cups are flowingWith memories born to bloom,
And filial hands are throwing
Their wreaths o'er valor's tomb;
While lips exulting shout the praise
Of heroes of the past, that stood
Triumphant 'mid old Moultrie's blaze,
And proud in Eutaw's field of blood—
Be not forgot the gallant train,
That lifts our name in Mexic war:
One cup for Palo Alto drain,
One cheer for Palma Resaca!
368
II.
For Taylor—“Rough and Ready,”True son of truest sires;
For May, who, swift and steady,
Trod down La Vega's fires;
For all who in that day of strife
Maintain'd in pride the stripes and stars,
The dead, who won immortal life,
And they who live for other wars;
For those who, with their victory,
New wreaths to grace our laurel bring—
A health that drains the goblet dry,
A cheer that makes the welkin ring!
III.
Yet, though even now we falter,With thoughts of those who died,
And, at our festive altar,
Grow silent in our pride—
Yet in the heart's most holy deep,
Fond memory shrines the happy brave,
Who in the arms of battle sleep,
By Palo's wood and Bravo's wave;
Nor in our future deeds forgot,
Shall silent thought forbear to bring
Her tribute to that sacred spot,
Where Ringgold's gallant soul took wing.
IV.
Fill to our country's glory,Where'er her flag is borne;
Nor, in her failing story,
Let future ages mourn;
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Rejoice that faction checks her speed,
Arrests her in the indignant blow,
And saddens o'er the avenging deed!
Fill high, though from the crystal wave
Your cup, and from the grape be mine
The marriage rites, that link the brave
To fame, will turn each draught to wine.
| Areytos or songs and ballads of the South | |