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The True

And And

[January,

Heroine.

often, as the shadows fell,

twilight had attuned them well, She sang of many a noble deed, And marked with joy their eager heed. most she marked their kindling eyes When telling of the victories That made the Stars and Stripes a name, Their country rich in honest fame.

And

It

was a noble land, she said,

All

praise beyond the sea;

kindly shore, thousands sought none were poor and friendless more; its

And And

its

They sang

blessed the name

And

of

It

–

poorest children lacked not bread; was so broad, so rich, so free,

Its

Washington,

loved the Union, every one.

And knew

not

all

a

She made them feel that they were part great nation's living heart.— So they grew up, true patriot boys,

Of

their mother's joys.

Sad was the hour when murmurs loud

!

be

of

a

From great black advancing cloud Made millions feel the coming breath Of maddened whirlwinds, full death

bright, She prayed the skies might soon made her sons prepare for fight.

And

hour youths can

By

be

such

an

In

Brave youths!—their zeal proved clearly then men

to

day she went from door door, — Men caught her soul, unfelt before; By night she prayed, and planned, and dreamed, Till morn's red light war's lightning seemed.

of

to on

to of

The cry went forth; forth stepped her sons gleaming guns: martial blaze perils dire, Still striding They turned catch her glance fire.

In

No fears, fond regrets she knew, But proudly watched them fade from view: “Lord, keep them so!” she said, and turned To where her lonely hearth-fire burned. no

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