Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/623

Rh The following is the song which was sung at the Chinese Museum dinner. Its title is "Welcome":—

 Ye braves, whose hands on Mexico's plain Hath struck the blow for country's right, We bid ye welcome home again From the dark turmoil of the fight. Peace spreads once more her glowing wing Above our fair and happy land, And while we all her glories sing. We'll not forget her conquering band.

A nation's hand, ye gallant band, Is stretching forth to meet you. To heaven's dome, a welcome home. Ascends from those that greet you.

Brave men your deeds will be retold When hands and hearts have passed away. And come, like pure and molten gold. The brighter from the last assay. Your names a grateful country writes Upon her fairest cherished scroll; Cursed be the traitor lip that slights The words upon that sacred roll.—Chorus.

What though your ranks the tale may tell, Of comrades left upon the field, It was in their country's cause they fell, A million hearts their requiems pealed. Go, soldiers, to your homes, and let Your battered arms be hung on high, Columbia's sons will never forget The braves who for their country die.— Chorus.

What prouder theme for many a year Will wake the minstrel's growing strain. Will nerve the heart and start the tear. Or make the aged young again. Once more a welcome home, ye braves. Long shall your deeds remembered be. And may they, like uncounted waves. Roll back their brightness from the sea."— Chorus.