J. D.
For the Southern Literary Messenger.
The following lines are from the pen of Dr. J. R. Drake. Sacred be his memory! A warmer patriot never breathed. The piece was written at the time of the invasion, and but a few days previous to the brilliant victory of the eighth of January. It is addressed to the defenders of New Orleans.
| Hail! sons of gen'rous valor! Who now embattled stand, To wield the brand of strife and blood, For freedom and the land; And hail to him your laurel'd chief! Around whose trophied name, A nation's gratitude has twin'd, The wreath of deathless fame. Now round that gallant leader, Your iron phalanx form; And throw, like ocean's barrier rocks, Your bosoms to the storm— Though wild as ocean's waves it rolls, Its fury shall be low— For justice guides the warrior's steel, And vengeance strikes the blow. High o'er the gleaming columns The banner'd star appears; And proud, amid the martial band, His crest the Eagle rears— As long as patriot valor's arm Shall win the battle's prize, That star shall beam triumphantly— That Eagle seek the skies. Then on! ye daring spirits! To danger's tumults now! The bowl is fill'd, and wreath'd the crown, To grace the victor's brow; And they who for their country die, Shall fill an honored grave; For glory lights the soldier's tomb, And beauty weeps the brave. |
For the Southern Literary Messenger.