44. the Iowa Twelfth.
by Hettie M. Ellis.
Thou God of Right! do Thou protectThe brave and noble band,
Who break the dearest ties of life
To save our noble land.
They bid adieu to home and friends,
Their country's call obey;
Their labors leave, their joys forego,
And haste without delay.
Our country's wrongs, and treason's dye,
Each bosom brave shall thrill--
Shall nerve each arm, and fire each eye,
Each heart with courage fill.
Our country's flag, that o'er them waves
They'll gallantly defend;
And Freedom's cause, with patriot zeal,
Shall triumph in the end.
The “Stars and Stripes” our fathers loved
Shall lead them safely on,
Till shouts of victory make known
The battle nobly won.
The Iowa Twelfth! fear not for them.
Ah no! their country's fame
They shall not dim ; when they return
They'll bear an honored name.
Yet some may fall; but doubly dear
The life which thus is given
For Freedom-noblest cause on earth
And in the sight of Heaven.
The Eagle bold, with pinions spread,
The cannon's heavy roar,
The joyous shouts of “Union boys,”
Will greet them then no more.
Fight, brave ones of the gallant Twelfth!
Till conquerors you become,
And laurel wreaths shall deck your brows--
Then welcome, welcome home.
Dubuque, Nov. 20, 1861.
