AMERICA'S WAY

By Henry Van Dyke

But thou, my country, though no fault be thine

For that red horror far across the sea;

Though not a tortured wretch can point to thee,

And curse thee for the selfishness supine

Of those great Powers that cowardly combine

To shield the Turk in his iniquity;

Yet, since thy hand is innocent and free,

Arise, and show the world the way divine!

Thou canst not break the oppressor's iron rod,

But thou canst help and comfort the oppressed;

Thou canst not loose the captive's heavy chain,

But thou canst bind his wounds and soothe his pain.

Armenia calls thee, Sovereign of the West,

To play the Good Samaritan for God.