Page:Halleck.djvu/114

94 That many a gallant heart must bleed
 * Ere freedom’s star be low.

Guards of a nation’s destiny!
 * High is that nation’s claim,

For not unknown your spirit proud,
 * Nor your daring chieftain’s name.

’Tis yours to shield the dearest ties
 * That bind to life the heart,

That mingle with the earliest breath,
 * And with our last depart.

The angel-smile of beauty
 * What heart but bounds to feel?

Her fingers buckled on the belt,
 * That sheathes your gleaming steel

And if the soldier’s honored death
 * In battle be your doom,

Her tears shall bid the flowers be green
 * That blossom round your tomb.

Tread on the path of duty,
 * Band of the patriot brave,

Prepared to rush, at honor’s call,
 * “To glory or the grave.”

Nor bid your flag again be furled
 * Till proud its eagles soar,

Till the battle-drum has ceased to beat,
 * And the war-torch burns no more.