Page:National Lyrics.pdf/232

216

They asked no clarion's voice to fire Their souls with an impulse high; But the Dorian reed, and the Spartan lyre For the sons of liberty!

And still sweet flutes, their path around, Sent forth Æolian breath: They needed not a sterner sound To marshal them for death!

So moved they calmly to their field, Thence never to return, Save bringing back the Spartan shield, Or on it proudly borne!