Songs of two centuries :: :: University of Virginia Library

Songs of two centuries

Carleton, Will (1845-1912)

[section]

[dedication]

Songs of Months and Days.

Songs of Home Life.

Songs of the Rivers.

Songs of the Mountains.

Songs of the Nation.

Songs of Pleasure and Pain.

Collapse All | Expand All expand section

126

LIBERTY'S TORCH.

Referring to the fact that the torch of Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor, was for several nights left unlighted, on account of the expense. This poem was published during that period. The light is now, the author is glad to say, beaming as brightly as ever.

Out of the east comes a maiden
Over the rough stormy sea,
Full of good gifts for us laden—
Love from the free to the free.
Now with her torch brightly glowing,
In our chief gateway she stands,
Liberty's radiance throwing
Over the seas and the lands.

Men by their firesides wherever
News of the world is a guest,
Talk of the gift and the giver—
Know of our star in the west.
Even the ancient defenders
Cannot this symbol forget:
Washington knows of its splendors—
So does the proud Lafayette.

Tell me, O well-studied scholars
Of the world's glory and shame,
Now should a few paltry dollars
Spoil this beneficent flame?
Ask of our friends and our foemen,
Ask of our hopes and our doubt—

127

Can we withstand the dread omen
Ever to see it go out?

Let not our colors be fading!
Let not a sceptre and crown—
Let not the triumphs of trading—
Trample our sentiment down!
Ice-blooded tyranny, listen!
Patriots, we laugh at your fears!
Liberty's emblem shall glisten
Yet for a thousand of years!

University of Virginia Library

LIBERTY'S TORCH. Referring to the fact that the torch of Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor, was for several nights left unlighted, on account of the expense. This poem was published during that period. The light is now, the author is glad to say, beaming as brightly as ever.

LIBERTY'S TORCH.

Referring to the fact that the torch of Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor, was for several nights left unlighted, on account of the expense. This poem was published during that period. The light is now, the author is glad to say, beaming as brightly as ever.