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FORWARD!
And the beck'ning angels win you On with many a radiant vision,Up the thorny path of glory, where the hero gains his crown.
VIII. Fling abroad our Country's banner, Foremost march to Freedom leading, Let the breath of millions fan her, Not alone the wine-press treading,For a Nation is arising from her long and ghastly swoon.
IX. Go with lips that dare not falter, Offer up, with exaltations, On your country's holy altar, Youth, with all its fervid passions,And your life, if she demands it—Can a patriot fear to die?
X. What is life that ye should love it More than manlike deeds of duty! There's a glory far above it Crowns your brow with nobler beauty—Tis to die, with cheers heroic, lifting Freedom's standard high.
XI. Through the darkness and the dunlight, Of this sorrow-night of weeping, Ye shall trail the radiant sunlight, And, like strong men armed, leapingForth to wondrous deeds of glory, make Humanity sublime.
XII. Rising higher still, and higher, Till the Angel who stands nighest To the Throne shall tune his lyre To your praise before the Highest,And the Crown of Fame Immortal shall be yours throughout all time.
