162. Kentucky.
by Mrs. Sophia H. Oliver.
Kentucky--she was the first State to enter the Union after the adoption of the Constitution; she will be the last to leave it. --[Words inscribed on Kentucky's contribution to the Washington Monument.]“The first to join the patriot band,
The last bright star to fade and die,”
Oh, first-born daughter of the land,
Wilt thou thy sacred vow deny?
By all the lofty memories bright
That crown with light thy glorious past,
Oh, speak again those words of might--
“The first to come, to leave the last.”
The land for which our fathers fought,
The glorious heritage they gave,
The just and equal laws they wrought--
Rise, in your might, that land to save.
No parricidal daughter thou,
No stain be on thy fealty cast,
But faithful to thy boast and vow,
“Be first to come, to leave the last.”
Oh, list not to the siren voice
That woos thee to a traitor cause;
But answer, “I have made my choice;
I will support my country's laws.”
Go, spurn disunion's foul cabal;
All party ties behind thee cast;
And still at honor's, duty's call,
“Be first to come, to leave the last.”
And land of high unsullied fame,
Hast thou no grievous wrongs to right?
Thy hero, wrapped in Sumter's flame,
And conquered in unequal fight!
Thy banner trampled in the dust------
Hark! shouts of freemen swell the blast,
“We will defend our flag--we must
‘Be first to come, to leave the last.’ ”
Land of my birth! how dear to me
Has ever been thy spotless fame;
Oh, may I never, never see
The brand of traitor on thy name.
Go, gird thee in thy armor bright;
Be faithful to thy glorious past;
And in the battle for the right,
“Be first to come, to leave the last.”
--Cincinnati Commercial,
