 | [Soldier's oath, in] Songs for the times |  |
8
SOLDIER'S OATH
1.
Lift on high both heart and hand!By the broad blue heaven high o'er us,
By the sacred cause before us,
Swear with Freedom's flag to stand!
By your forefathers in glory,
Names that consecrate the air,
By your Freedom's kindling story,
By the God of Freedom, swear!
2.
Lift on high both heart and hand!Swear, that earth and heaven may hear it,
And the brazen traitor fear it,—
Swear the oath to save your land!
Glorious ensign, float before us,
Proudly lead us to the field!
While thy folds are fluttering o'er us,
None shall basely flee or yield.
3.
Lift on high both heart and hand!Swell, with Freedom's pure air filling,
Noble flag! each bosom thrilling
Of our chosen patriot band.
Sign of honor! never paling,
Save in death, our cheeks thou 'lt see,—
Thousand pangs with transport hailing,
Ere we turn our backs on thee!
4.
Lift on high both heart and hand!Hail, this glorious consecration!
Hail, regenerated nation!
Hail, all hail! thou new-born land!
Sons of Freedom, all assemble,
Solemn vows and praise to pay!
Falsehood, fraud, and treason, tremble!
Courage, children of the day!
5.
Lift on high both heart and hand!To the King of Nations rear it,
Let the great Heart-Searcher hear it,
As we here before him stand,
Praying him to keep us holy,
Pure in thought and word and deed,—
Him whose hand uplifts the lowly,
Makes the just alone succeed!
C. T. BROOKS.
| [Soldier's oath, in] Songs for the times | |