16. the patriot's song.
by G. F. B.
Chieftains! lead us to the Rebel host,Lead on to Richmond towers!
Who would not deem it a bliss to die
In such a cause as ours?
Lead on, for fearlessly we fight;
The Union, 'tis a glorious cause of right.
Chieftains! our hearts beat high, in haste
To plunge the rebel heart!
Who could not glory in the deed
To drive them to death's mart?
Come, let us for our country fight
Because her glorious, heavenly cause is right.
Breathe on, ye souls of pride and strife,
'Tis death's immortal age!
To die, is but a change of life,
And heaven a starry stage.
Then with a bright and future hope,
The patriot shall in darkness never grope.
The trumpet shall from Malvern Hill
Proclaim in thunder tones!
How God-like heroes fought and died,
'Mid human blood and bones.
From Pittsburgh's bloody fields shall rise
Clouds of incense, to the admiring skies.
Bring forth the sweet Aeolian harp,
From its Etrurian shades!
That it may chant the patriot's song,
In silver bowers and glades.
Yes! patriots' names shall live entwined--
In God's baptismal font, they live enshrined.
Yes! from Fair Oaks their names shall rise,
From Seven Pines they fly!
On many fields their corpses strewn,
Blessed patriots who die.
Let bards the dirge of patriots sing,
Throughout the world, let fame their glory ring.
