Lyon Four thousand men, as brave and true They feared not death-men bless the field Fair Freedom's cause was sword and shield, And at their head was Lyon! The leader's troubled soul looked forth 66 General, come lead us!" loud the cry From a brave band was ringing"Lead us, and we will stop, or die, That battery's awful singing." He spurred to where his heroes stood, Twice wounded-no wound knowing— The fire of battle in his blood And on his forehead glowing. Oh, cursed for aye that traitor's hand, And dyed his bosom redly! So Lyon died! and well may flowers For never had this land of ours Living, his country was his pride, Rest, patriot, in thy hillside grave, THE MY MARYLAND. 'HE despot's heel is on thy shore, Maryland! His torch is at thy temple door, Maryland! Avenge the patriotic gore That flecked the streets of Baltimore, And be the battle queen of yore, Maryland, my Maryland! Hark to an exiled son's appeal, Maryland! My Mother State, to thee I kneel, Maryland! For life or death, for woe or weal, Thy peerless chivalry reveal, And gird thy beauteous limbs with steel, Thou wilt not cower in the dust, Maryland! Thy beaming sword shall never rust, Maryland! Remember Carroll's sacred trust, Remember Howard's warlike thrust, And all thy slumberers with the just, Maryland, my Maryland! Come! 'tis the red dawn of the day, Come with thy panoplied array. Maryland! With Ringgold's spirit for the fray, With Watson's blood at Monterey, With fearless Lowe and dashing May, Maryland, my Maryland! Dear Mother, burst the tyrant's chain, Maryland! Virginia should not call in vain, Maryland ! She meets her sisters on the plain, "Sic semper!" 't is the proud refrain That baffles minions back amain, Maryland! Arise in majesty again, Maryland, my Maryland! Come! for thy shield is bright and strong, Maryland! Come! for thy dalliance does thee wrong, Come to thine own heroic throng And chant thy dauntless slogan-song, I see the blush upon thy cheek, But thou wast ever bravely meek, But lo! there surges forth a shriek, Maryland, my Maryland! Thou wilt not yield the Vandal toll, Thou wilt not crook to his control, Better the fire upon thee roll, Maryland, my Maryland! |