Song XVI. Hail Columbia

Hail, COLUMBIA! happy land, Hail, ye Heroes—Heav'n-born band! Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, And when the storm of war was gone, Enjoy'd the peace your valour won. Let Independence be your boast Ever mindful what it cost; Ever grateful for the prize, Let its altar reach the skies. Firm—united—let us be, Rallying round our liberty: As a band of brothers join'd, Peace and safety we shall find.

Immortal Patriots! rise once more, Defend your rights, defend your shore; Let no rude foe with impious hand, Let no rude foe with impious hand, Invade the shrine where sacred lies Of toil and blood the well earn'd prize. While offering peace, sincere and just, In heaven we place a manly trust, That truth and justice will prevail, And every scheme of bondage fail. Firm—united—let us be, &c.

Sound, sound the trump of fame, Let WASHINGTON's great name, Ring through the world with loud applause, Ring through the world with loud applause, Let every clime to Freedom dear, Listen with a joyful ear; With equal skill, with godlike pow'r, He governs in the fearful hour Of horrid war, or guides with ease The happier times of honest peace. Firm—united—let us be, &c.

Behold the Chief who now commands, Once more to serve his country stands— The rock on which the storm will beat, The rock on which the storm will beat, But arm'd in virtue firm and true; His hopes are fix'd on heaven and you. When hope was sinking in dismay, When glooms obscur'd Columbia's day, His steady mind from changes free, Resolv'd on death or liberty. Firm—united—let us be, &c.