AMERICA SPEAKS
"For what avail or plough, or sail,
Or land, or life, if freedom fail?"
We have been sleeping—dreaming. Now,
Thank God! we are awake!
Awake, and ready with a will
The nobler part to take!
No more shall a pretended Peace
Our souls from duty sever;
We dedicate our lives to God
And Liberty—forever!
We, who have looked with anguished eyes
On things no eye should see,
Beholding all that may be wrought
By ruthless Tyranny,
Join hands with you, devoted Lands,
A liberated Nation
That wills to share your sacrifice,
That knows your exaltation!
A lofty voice has spoken words
That bring the world relief;
Our Land has joined the league of Right,
Led onward by her Chief—
Her Chief who large has writ his name
With Lincoln's in the story
Of that dear land which still may call
The flag she loves, "Old Glory!"
