Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

34. on Fort Sumter.

It was a noble Roman,
     In Rome's imperial day,
Who heard a coward croaker
     Before the battle say--
“They're safe in such a fortress;
     There is no way to shake it” --
“On! on!” exclaimed the hero,
     “I'Ll find A way, on make it!”

is fame your aspiration?
     Her path is steep and high;
In vain he seeks the temple,
     Content to gaze and sigh;
The crowded town is waiting,
     But he alone can take it,
Who says, with “Southern firmness,”
     “I'Ll find A way, or make it!”

Is Glory your ambition?
     There is no royal road;
Alike we all must labor,
     Must climb to her abode;
Who feels the thirst for glory,
     In Helicon may slake it,
If ho has but the “Southern will,”
     “to find A way, or make it!”

is Sumter worth the getting?
     It must be bravely sought;
With wishing and with fretting,
     The boon cannot be bought;
To all the prize is open,
     But only he can take it,
Who says, with “Southern courage,”
     “I'Ll find A way, or make it!”

In all impassioned warfare,
     The tale has ever been,
That victory crowns the valiant,
     The brave are they who win.
Though strong in “Sumter Fortress,”
     A hero still may take it,
Who says, with “Southern daring,”
     “I'Ll find A way, or make it!”