147. all forward!
written for the Second Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, by request air--“Garibaldi's Hymn.” All forward! All forward!All forward to battle! the trumpets are crying,
Forward! All forward! our old flag is flying.
When Liberty calls us we linger no longer;
Rebels, come on! though a thousand to one!
Liberty! Liberty! deathless and glorious,
Under thy banner thy sons are victorious,
Free souls are valiant, and strong arms are stronger--
God shall go with us and battle be won.
Hurrah for the banner!
Hurrah for the banner!
Hurrah for our banner, the flag of the free!
All forward! All forward!
All forward for Freedom! In terrible splendor
She comes to the loyal who die to defend her:
Her stars and her stripes o'er the wild wave of battle
Shall float in the heavens to welcome us on. [121]
All forward! to glory, though life-blood is pouring,
Where bright swords are flashing, and cannon are roaring,
Welcome to death in the bullets' quick rattle--
Fighting or falling shall Freedom be won.
Hurrah for the banner! &c.
All forward! All forward!
All forward to conquer! Where free hearts are beating,
Death to the coward who dreams of retreating!
Liberty calls us from mountain and valley;
Waving her banner, she leads to the fight.
Forward! all forward! the trumpets are crying;
The drum beats to arms, and our old flag is flying;
Stout hearts and strong hands around it shall rally--
Forward to battle for God and the Right!
Hurrah for the banner!
Hurrah for the banner!
Hurrah for our banner, the flag of the free!
--The Independent, June 6.