Befire the Battle

 By the hope within us springing, 
Herald of to-morrow's strife; 
By that sun, whose light is bringing 
Chains or freedom, death or life -- 
Oh! remember life can be 
No charm for him, who lives not free! 
Like the day-star in the wave, 
Sinks a hero in his grave, 
'Midst the dew-fall of a nation's tears.
 

Happy is he o'er whose decline 
The smiles of home may soothing shine, 
And light him down the steep of years: 
But oh, how blest they sink to rest, 
Who close their eyes on victory's breast! 

O'er his watch-fire's fading embers 
Now the foeman's cheek turns white, 
When his heart that field remembers, 
Where we tamed his tyrant might.
 
Never let him bind again 
A chain like that we broke from then.
 
Hark! the horn of combat calls -- 
Ere the golden evening falls, 
May we pledge that horn in triumph round.


Many a heart that now beats high, 
In slumber cold at night shall lie, 
Nor waken even at victory's sound: -- 
But oh how blest that hero's sleep, 
O'er whom a wondering world shall weep!

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