The Complete Poetical Works of John Greenleaf Whittier/A Song inscribed to the Frémont Clubs
A SONG
INSCRIBED TO THE FRÉMONT CLUBS
Written after the election in 1856, which showed the immense gains of the Free Soil party, and insured its success in 1860.
Beneath thy skies, November!
Thy skies of cloud and rain,
Around our blazing camp-tires
We close our ranks again.
Then sound again the bugles,
Call the muster-roll anew;
If months have well-nigh won the field,
What may not four years do?
For God be praised! New England
Takes once more her ancient place;
Again the Pilgrim’s banner
Leads the vanguard of the race.
Then sound again the bugles, etc.
Along the lordly Hudson,
A shout of triumph breaks;
The Empire State is speaking,
From the ocean to the lakes.
Then sound again the bugles, etc.
The Northern hills are blazing,
The Northern skies are bright;
And the fair young West is turning
Her forehead to the light!
Then sound again the bugles, etc.
Push every outpost nearer,
Press hard the hostile towers!
Another Balaklava,
And the Malakoff is ours!
Then sound again the bugles,
Call the muster-roll anew;
If months have well-nigh won the field,
What may not four years do?