William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
The Eighth of January; or, the Victory at New OrleansT. J. Allen
B
Her red cross is floating in pride on the gale;
She comes with her host over ocean afar,
And sounds, with shrill trump, the dread signal of war.
And many a warrior of fame in the fight,
And many a hero in chivalry bright,
Descends with bold step on the patriot shore,
Where freedom is cherish’d and dwells evermore!
Ah! wo to her heroes in chivalry bright!
The scenery will darken, ere closes the day,
And the war-kindled eye fade in dimness away.
For fame they will battle, for glory they’ll die,
And, struck to the earth, in their blood they shall lie,
The proud ones! who dare to invade the dear shore,
Where Freedom has chosen to dwell evermore!
Where freemen the falchion of Liberty wield!
There Death striding dreadful the columns among,
Spreads carnage and honor amidst the deep throng;
And thousands sink down to repose on the plain,
Whom the reveillé never shall waken again;
For they came to pollute and enslave the dear shore,
Where heaven-born Freedom shall dwell evermore!
Round the brows of the brave wreathes of laurel entwine;
For the few that have fallen in Liberty’s name,
Drop a tear in the cup that we fill to their fame;
And to Him who smiled on us, who dwells in the skies,
From our hearts let the tribute of gratitude rise.
It was He gave the victory, and blest the loved shore,
Where Freedom is sacred and dwells evermore!