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

75. April 15th, 1861.

by William H. Burleigh.

Thank God! the free North is awake at last!
     When burning cannon-shot and bursting shell,
As, from the red mouth of some volcan's hell,
     Rained on devoted Sumter thick and fast,
The sleep of ages from her eyelids past.
     One bound — and lo! she stands erect and tall,
While Freedom's hosts come trooping to her call,
     Like eager warriors to the trumpet's blast!
Woe to the traitors and their robber horde!
     Woe to the spoilers that pollute the land!
When a roused Nation, terrible and grand,
     Grasps, in a holy cause, th' avenging sword,
And swears, from Treason's bloody clutch to save
     The priceless heritage our fathers gave.