BATTLE SONG.
| Have you counted up the cost? What is gained and what is lost— When the foe your lines have crossed? Gained—the infamy of fame? Gained—a dastard’s spotted name; Gained—eternity of shame. Lost—desert of manly Worth; Lost—the right you had by birth; Lost—lost! Freedom from the earth! Freemen, up! the foe is nearing! Haughty banners high uprearing— Lo! their serried ranks appearing! Freemen, on! the drums are beating! Will you shrink from such a meeting? Forward! give them hero greeting! From your hearts, and homes, and altars, Backward hurl your proud assaulters— He is not a man that falters! |