21. songs of the rebels.
Battle ode to Virginia.
Old Virginia! virgin crownedDaughter of the royal Bess,
Send the fiery ensign round,
Call your chivalry renowned,
Lineage of the lioness.
You have thrown the gauntlet down,
Pledged to vindicate the right;
Bid your sons from field and town,
Through summer's smile and winter's frown
Make ready for the fight.
Now that you have drawn the sword,
Throw away the useless sheath,
Hear your destiny's award--
Drive the invaders from your sward,
Or lay your heads beneath.
In the field with conflict rife,
None must falter, yield, or fly;
Honor, liberty, and life,
All are staked upon the strife,
You must “do or die.”
Let your daughters shed no tear,
Though their dearest may be slain;
None for self must hope or fear,
All with joy their burdens bear,
Till you are free again.
By the consecrated soil
Where your Washington had birth,
Keep your homes from ruthless spoil,
Keep your shield from spot or soil,
Or perish from the earth.1
