THE FLAG OF THE REPUBLIC.

My harp soon ceases; but I here allege

Its strings are in my heart and tremble there:

My Song's last strain shall be a claim and pledge —

A claim, a pledge, a prayer!

I stand, as stood, in storied days of old,

Vasco Balboa staring o'er bright seas

When fair Pacific's tide of limpid gold

Surged up against his knees.

For haughty Spain, her banner in his hand,

He claimed a New World, sea, and plain, and crag —

I claim the Future's Ocean for this land

And here I plant her flag!

Float out, oh flag, from Freedom's burnished lance!

Float out, oh flag, in Red, and White, and Blue!

The Union's colors and the hues of France

Commingled on the view!

Float out, oh flag, and all thy splendors wake!

Float out, oh flag, above our Hero's bed!

Float out, oh flag, and let thy blazon take

New glories from the dead!

Float out, oh flag, o'er Freedom's noblest types!

Float out, oh flag, all free of blot or stain!

Float out, oh flag, the “Roses” in thy stripes

Forever blent again!

Float out, oh flag, and float in every clime!

Float out, oh flag, and blaze on every sea!

Float out, oh flag, and float as long as Time

And Space themselves shall be!

Float out, oh flag, o'er Freedom's onward march!

Float out, oh flag, in Freedom's starry sheen!

Float out, oh flag, above the Union's arch

Where Washington is seen!

Float out, oh flag, above a smiling Land!

Float out, oh flag, above a peaceful sod!

Float out, oh flag, thy staff within the hand

Beneficent of God!