[Poems by Drake in] The life and works of Joseph Rodman Drake (1795-1820)

Hail! sons of generous valor!
Who now embattled stand,
To wield the brand of strife and blood,
For freedom and the land.
And hail to him, your laurelled chief,
Around whose trophied name,
A nation's gratitude has twined
The wreath of deathless fame.

Now round the gallant leader
Your iron phalanx form,
And throw, like ocean's barrier rocks,
Your bosoms to the storm.
Though wild as ocean's wave it rolls,
Its fury shall be low,
For Justice guides the warrior's steel,
And Vengeance strikes the blow.

High o'er the gleaming columns
The bannered star appears,
And proud amid the martial band,
His crest the eagle rears;

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And long as patriot valor's arm
Shall win the battle's prize,
That star shall beam triumphantly,
That eagle seek the skies.

Then on, ye daring spirits,
To danger's tumults now;
The bowl is filled, and wreathed the crown
To grace the victor's brow.
And they who for their country die,
Shall fill an honored grave,
For glory lights the soldier's tomb,
And beauty weeps the brave.

University of Virginia Library

Lines Addressed to the Defenders of New Orleans

THE DAY BEFORE THE BATTLE OF THE 8TH OF JANUARY, 1815