Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/121

Rh

OD send us peace, and keep red strife away;
 * But should it come, God send us men and steel!

The land is dead that dare not face the day
 * When foreign danger threats the common weal.

Defenders strong are they that homes defend;
 * From ready arms the spoiler keeps afar.

Well blest the country that has sons to lend
 * From trades of peace to learn the trade of war.

Thrice blest the nation that has every son
 * A soldier, ready for the warning sound;

Who marches homeward when the tight is done,
 * To swing the hammer and to till the ground.

Call back that morning, with its lurid light.
 * When through our land the awful war-bell tolled;