THE GATHERING
We are coming, Cuba,—coming; our starry banner shines
Above the swarming legions, sweeping downward to the sea.
From Northern hill, and Western plain, and towering Southern pines
The serried hosts are gathering,—and Cuba shall be free.
We are coming, Cuba,—coming. Thy sturdy patriots brave,
Who fight as fought our fathers in the old time long ago,
Shall see the Spanish squadrons sink beneath the whelming wave,
And plant their own loved banner on the ramparts of their foe.
We are coming, Cuba,—coming. Across the billow's foam
Our gallant ships are bearing our bravest down to thee,
While earnest prayers are rising from every freeman's home
That freedom's God may lead them on, and Cuba shall be free.
Herbert B. Swett.
It was evident that an army was badly needed to support the fleet at Santiago, and on June 7, 1898, the force at Tampa was ordered to embark for that place, under command of General William Shafter. Everything was confusion, and it was not until June 14 that the transports finally made their way down the bay.
COMRADES
Now from their slumber waking,—
The long sleep men thought death—
The War Gods rise, inhaling deep
The cannon's fiery breath!
Their mighty arms uplifted,
Their gleaming eyes aglow
With the steadfast light of battle,
As it blazed long years ago!
Now from the clouds they summon
The Captains of the Past,
Still sailing in their astral ships
The star-lit spaces vast;
And from Valhalla's peaceful plains
The Great Commanders come,
And marshal again their armies
To the beat of the muffled drum.