Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

The Warrior’s Return

O, STRIKE up the harp to the warrior returning,

From the toils and the tempests of ocean’s rough wave;

The hearts of his brethren, with gratitude burning,

Shall beat to the numbers which welcome the brave.

Then here’s to the heroes, high-sounding in story,

Who’ve gallantly met, and have conquer’d the foe;

And Rodgers, brave Rodgers, coeval in glory,

Who’s “ready and steady” to give him a blow.

O’er the furthermost seas his broad banners are waving,

Like an eagle in air, thrice he swept o’er the flood,

The fleets of proud Britain with vigilance braving;

And his deeds—who shall say they’re not noble and good?

The wounds he received, for his country contending,

The hardships endured shall they e’er be forgot?

The slanderous tongues, ’gainst his fair fame offending,

And the hands that deface—may they wither and rot!

For freemen will cherish the rough sons of Ocean,

Who’ve no party plea when a foe may assail—

But undauntedly fly to the scene of commotion,

To fight for their rights, till they die or prevail.

In the bosom of Rodgers, did fear ever mingle

With the mild dove of peace or the eagle of war?

Dare the enemy meet, with force equal and single?

No! but flies from the roar of his thunder afar!

Columbians! one cause, and one soul, and one spirit

Inspires all your sons who contend on the wave;

And prejudice ne’er shall eclipse real merit,

Nor fortune forever coquette with the brave!

Then join the glad song, worth and valour commending,

Fan the flame which in each patriot bosom should burn,

And all honest hearts, in true sympathy blending,

Unite in a toast to the warrior’s return!