Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 4.
Frank Moore, Ed.

78. the patriot Mother.

by John Savage.

When o'er the land the battle brand
     In Freedom's cause was gleaming, [76]
And everywhere upon the air
     The starry flag was streaming,
The widow cried unto her pride:
     “Go forth and join the muster
Thank God, my son can bear a gun
     To crown his race with lustre I
Go forth! and come again not home,
     If by disgrace o'erpowered;
My heart can pray o'er hero's clay,
     But never clasp a coward!”

“God bless thee, boy, my pride, my joy,
     My old eyes' light and treasure--
Thy father stood 'mid flame and blood
     To fill the freeman's measure.
His name thy name — the cause the same,
     Go join thy soldier brothers!
Thy blow alone protects not one,
     But thousands, wives and mothers.
May every blessing Heaven can yield
     Upon thy arms be showered!
Come back a hero from the field,
     But never come a coward.”