74. the departure.
The gallant young men of Rhode IslandAre marching, in haste, to the wars;
Full-girded for strife, they are hazarding life
In defence of our Banner of Stars.
That flag is in danger from Treason,
Disowned and dishonored by States,
Whose blazon of stars may be turned into scars,
If the great Northern Legion but waits.
Oh, eyes that are weary with weeping,
For husbands, and brothers, and sons,
Who are marching away, for many a day,
To face that which no true hero shuns:
Look up to the Star-spangled Banner;
Shall one ray of its glory be lost?
Then dry every tear, change weeping to cheer,
For the brave men whose swords have been crossed
In the patriot oath to defend it
From Treason, and Faction's wild lust;
Be proud they are true to their flag and to you,
And in them, and their God, put your trust.
Look on to the day, when, returning
With victory crowned, from the fray,
Their shouts shall burst forth--“O'er the South and the North
Waves the Star-spangled Banner for aye!”
April 26, 1861.
W. C. R.
--Providence Evening Press,
