ally forth with the
ambitious hope to bear down at once all contending opposition, and give
themselves no time to reflect on the many disconsolate ones they leave
behind them, that, however deeply concerned, can neither engage or
assist in the shocking contest; while they go forward hastily to meet
the foe, and hosts are advancing to dispute with them the victory, and
they can indulge no thought concerning those who, when the battle is
over, may have to lament the loss of a father, brother, or some other
dear friend, and who mournfully await the decisive tidings, which
perhaps is to render them for ever disconsolate; while they remain a
prey to that incessant anguish which naturally awaits those who have
lost, in this manner, their dearest friends and relations.

Thick clouds were darkly pending
Above the battle fray,
And foemen were contending
For the fortune of the day.

And high in air the banner bright,
Waving o'er land and sea,
The potent symbol of their might,
The emblem of the free.

Brave hearts that stood amid the storm
That burst in fury round;
With many a stern and manly form,
Sunk powerless to the ground.

Deep gloom had settled round them,
And darkness veil'd the sky,
When Freedom, with her starry train,
Descended from on high.

When, at her bidding, lo, a chief
Amid the throng appear'd;
When, the goddess halted by his side,
And thus his spirits cheer'd:

"Oh, let not care oppress thee,
But banish far thy fears,
For, in blessing, I will bless thee,
And will wipe away thy tears;

"And a banner thou shalt still retain,
And a hand to lead the brave
To glory and to victory,
Or to the hero's grave."

Then fear not, honoured chieftain,
For yet again shall be,
Your flag shall wave o'er every land,
And float on every sea.

What though in foreign clime it waves,
Careering on the wind,
Whatever shore the ocean laves,
A due respect will find.

And the thunders of your ships of war
Along the deep shall roll,
While the canvas of your merchantmen
Shall sweep from pole to pole.

"And now, oh gallant chief," she cried,
"Hold fast the glorious prize;
The flag with blue and crimson dyed,
And stars that gemmed the skies,

"Have left their native spheres to shed
Their radiance o'er the field;
Then while it waves above your head,
To the foeman never yie