Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Washington and Lowell Day/Washingtons Birthday

by George Howland

 

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY.

BY GEORGE HOWLAND.

[Air:—“ America.”]

 
Welcome thou festal morn!
Never be passed in scorn
Thy rising sun;
Thou day forever bright
With freedom's holy light,
That gave the world the sight
Of Washington.

Unshaken ’mid the storm,
Behold that noble form,
That peerless one,—
With his protecting hand,
Like Freedom’s angel, stand,
The guardian of our land.
Our Washington.

Now the true patriot see.
The foremost of the free.
The vict’ry won;
In freedom's presence bow.
While sweetly smiling now.
She wreathes the spotless brow
Of Washington.

Then, with each coming year,
Whenever shall appear
That natal sun;
Will we attest the worth
Of one true man to earth,
And celebrate the birth
Of Washington.

Traced there in lines of light,
Where all pure rays unite,
Obscured by none;
Brightest on history’s page.
Of any clime or age,
As chieftain, man, and sage,
Stands Washington.

Name at which tyrants pale.
And their proud legions quail.
Their boasting done;
While Freedom lifts her head,
No longer filled with dread.
Her sons to vict’ry led
By Washington.