In many a fainting clime, in many a war,

Still bright-browed Victory drew the patriot’s car.

Whether he met the dusk and prowling foe

By oceanic Mississippi’s flow;

Or where the southern swamps, with steamy breath,

Smite the worn warrior with no warrior’s death;

Or where, like surges on the rolling main,

Squadron on squadron sweep the prairie plain;

Dawn—and the field the haughty foe o’erspread,

Sunset—and Rio Grande’s waves run red;