Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE VERMONT CADETS, by LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE VERMONT CADETS, by                    
First Line: Pass on! For the bright torch of glory is beaming
Last Line: Be blest if victorious -- and cursed, if you fly!
Subject(s): Cadets; War


Pass on! for the bright torch of glory is beaming;
Go, wreathe round your brows the green laurels of fame;
Around you a halo is brilliantly streaming,
And history lingers to write down each name.

Yes! ye are the pillars of liberty's throne;
When around you the banner of glory shall wave
America proudly shall claim you her own,
And freedom and honor shall pause o'er each grave!

A watch-fire of glory, a beacon of light,
Shall guide you to honor, shall point you to fame;
The heart that shrinks back, be it buried in night,
And withered with dim tears of sorrow and shame!

Though death should await you, 'twere glorious to die
With the glow of pure honor still warm on her brow;
With a light sparkling brightly around the dim eye,
Like the smile of a spirit still ling'ring below.

Pass on, and when War in his strength shall arise,
Rush on to the conflict, and conquer or die;
Let the clash of your arms proudly roll to the skies:
Be blest if victorious -- and cursed, if you fly!




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