I WILL NOT FIRE UPON THAT FLAG.
245
That flag! its glorious Stars and Stripes A father's blessing bear,And with the rustling of its folds, Is blent a mother's prayer.
Beneath the shadow of thy folds I long once more to turn,As wings the dove its homeward flight, Before the impending storm.
Bright vision of my youthful days, Banner of heavenly dyes,Thy radiant glories o'er me shed, And fix my dying eyes.
Heaven preserve that gallant flag, That banner of the free!Come weal or woe, what'll betide, "I will not fire on thee."