Harp of the west! that long hath silent hung, Attune thy notes to strain as yet unsung! The page historic now will be our theme; The war's dread clamor and the battle's gleam. Of him we sing -- the worthy volunteer, That meets the foe, devoid of every fear. Of her we sing -- that saw her country's cause Above all else, while true to nature's laws. We sing the charging host, the dying groan; The tears of sorrow and the distant moan. We sing the captive, firm in prison hold; The fearless maid's adventures manifold: The lost one found in hostile land afar; The happy union in the storm of war; The safe return from every danger free, To join the choral shout of victory. Attractive theme! Auspicious Muse, prolong The flowing verse! Inspire a worthy song! The lines may then beguile the weary hour; The stanzas lend a charm to lonely bower: The lyre may soothe our sorrows o'er the grave; The Muse may add a laurel to the brave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...L.E.L.'S LAST QUESTION by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING BRONX, 1818 by JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE THE WHITE HOUSE by CLAUDE MCKAY FIRST OF MAY by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH HE MOURNS FOR THE CHANGE THAT HAS COME UPON HIM AND BELOVED by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS AMERICAN THEMES FOR A GILBERT by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS ODES: BOOK 2: ODE 8. AMORET by MARK AKENSIDE |