English poem
FEBRUARY, 1861.
by Thomas Cowherd (1817–1907)
Thank God 'tis so! for now we know All compromise is ended. List Lincoln's call, then freemen, all Who have from braves descended.
Your Stripes and Stars, ye gallant tars, Keep proudly o'er you waving; Strike for the right with all your might, Stern danger freely braving!
Ye Soldier hosts, stand to your posts Like Anderson, unflinching. Those Southern foes need heavy blows To cure them of their "lynching."
A traitor's fate may them await, But yet their monstrous madness May work you woe for aught ye know, And fill the world with sadness.
Innocent blood—of this a flood For vengeance loud is calling! And God's light hand shall blast that land With plagues the most appalling,
Which dares to hold from love of gold Poor slaves in galling fetters! Rise, East—West—North! Your might put forth, For you are Freedom's debtors!