 | Songs of two centuries |  |
120
COLUMBIA TO CUBA.
A voice went over the waters—
The edge of a sunlit sea—
Newest of Freedom's daughters,
My help went out to thee.
Time it was that the West should aid
A sister of the West,
When her own mother's jewelled blade
Was stabbing at her breast!
Where in battle my bullets flew
Along your gallant shore,
Much indeed I was aiding you—
But Civilization more!
The edge of a sunlit sea—
Newest of Freedom's daughters,
My help went out to thee.
Time it was that the West should aid
A sister of the West,
When her own mother's jewelled blade
Was stabbing at her breast!
Where in battle my bullets flew
Along your gallant shore,
Much indeed I was aiding you—
But Civilization more!
Patience?—yes, you have learned it:
And, now, 'neath Freedom's sky,
See that you have not spurned it,
As years go hurrying by.
Yes!—we are dwelling side by side,
Ready for clasp or thrust:
Long may this friendship be our pride,
Fruiting to love and trust.
You to keep the rescued land
Still to the rescuer true—
We to vow that Tyranny's hand
Never shall fall on you!
And, now, 'neath Freedom's sky,
See that you have not spurned it,
As years go hurrying by.
Yes!—we are dwelling side by side,
Ready for clasp or thrust:
Long may this friendship be our pride,
Fruiting to love and trust.
You to keep the rescued land
Still to the rescuer true—
121
Never shall fall on you!
If to your glance my starry flame
Looks like a welcome bright,
Cherish the thought from which it came,
In your ambition's sight.
Do not on the horizon rest—
Do not sink below:
Rise, O new-born star of the West,
Unto meridian glow!
Climb to OUR constellation
That all earth awes and cheers,
And—nation within a nation—
Gleam bright for a thousand years!
Looks like a welcome bright,
Cherish the thought from which it came,
In your ambition's sight.
Do not on the horizon rest—
Do not sink below:
Rise, O new-born star of the West,
Unto meridian glow!
Climb to OUR constellation
That all earth awes and cheers,
And—nation within a nation—
Gleam bright for a thousand years!
| Songs of two centuries | |