William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Sacred IndependenceE. D. Bangs
H
Long may thy glorious cause prevail;
By valour won and sealed with blood:
By valour won and sealed with blood.
That cause which heroes died to save,
Shall ne’er want champions free and brave.
Lo! Columbia’s sons arise,
Indignation fires their eyes.
Vengeance calls—no more delay!
Wash your honour’s stains away.
Death or Freedom be our toast!
Freedom was our fathers’ boast.
Peace, with honour; but an arm
Nerved to guard our rights from harm.
See your flag with shame laid low!
Your claims are mocked, your rights despised,
Your claims are mocked, your rights despised;
Your captured brethren still are slaves,
And native blood has tinged your waves.
Throw the olive branch afar;
Steel your hearts for vigorous war.
Draw the sword—on Heaven depend;
May Heaven a just deliverance send!
Death or Freedom be our toast;
Freedom was our fathers’ boast.
Peace, with honour; but an arm
Nerved to guard our rights from harm.
Whither has our glory fled?
Shall sons forget their fathers’ fame?
Shall sons forget their fathers’ fame?
O! warm our hearts with holy fire;
Our breasts with patriot zeal inspire!
To tyrants never may we sell
The liberty for which you fell;
While memory of your deeds remains,
And life and vigour swell our veins.
Death or Freedom be our toast;
Freedom was our fathers’ boast;
Peace, with honour: but an arm
Nerved to guide our rights from harm.
On which our annual vows we pay;
And at our country’s altar swear—
And at our country’s altar swear—
That the rich blessings we enjoy
No time shall waste, no foe destroy.
Brothers! rally, hand in hand,
Round your dear, your native land;
And when the storm of war is o’er,
Taste the sweets of peace once more.
Death or Freedom be our toast:
Freedom was our fathers’ boast.
Peace, with honour: but an arm
Nerved to guard our rights from harm.