 | Later Lays and Lyrics |  |
OUR BANNER.
I.
The red on our flag is the herald of dawnWhile curtains that darken the East are withdrawn;
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Each stripe lends a gleam to War's sulphury shroud.
Then, while the breath of the tempest shall fan her,
Let red have a place on the folds of our banner.
II.
The white is an emblem of peace to the worldWhen the black flag of Treason forever is furled—
That stainless in name should the champion be
Who fights with a strong arm for the Land of the Free.
Then, while the breath of the tempest shall fan her,
Let white have a place on our glorious banner.
III.
For clustering stars a rich ground work of blueIts folds from the dome of the firmament drew,
And the planets of Heaven shall darken with rust
Ere Columbia's ensign is trailed in the dust.
Then, while the breath of the tempest shall fan her,
Let blue have a place on the folds of our banner.
IV.
Up, up for the conflict, ye valiant and true,And die ere dishonored the “Red, White and Blue!”
Tear down from its staff the Palmetto and Snake!
While the ranks of Secession grow frightened and break,
To victory ride o'er the dying and dead,
Like the horsemen of Gaul with Murat at their head.
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