V

Look forth across thy widespread lands, O flag, and let thy stars to-night be eyes To see the visionary hosts Of men and women grateful to be thine, That joyfully arise From all thy borders and thy coasts, And follow after thee in endless line! They lift to thee a forest of saluting hands; They hail thee with a rolling ocean-roar Of cheers; and as the echo dies, There comes a sweet and moving song Of treble voices from the childish throng Who run to thee from every school-house door. Behold thine army! Here thy power lies: The men whom freedom has made strong, And bound to follow thee by willing vows; The women greatened by the joys Of motherhood to rule a happy house; The vigorous girls and boys, Whose eager faces and unclouded brows Foretell the future of a noble race, Rich in the wealth of wisdom and true worth! While millions such as these to thee belong, What foe can do thee wrong, What jealous rival rob thee of thy place Foremost of all the flags of earth?