Page:Poems of Patriotism (1942).djvu/11

 We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth, We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth; We have mocked at the ramparts and guns of the foe, As though we believed we could laugh them all low. Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight! Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right!

If in honor and glory our flag is to wave, If we are to keep this—the land of the brave; If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds, Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds. We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal! Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real!