Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

The Washington Guards

HAIL to the youths in firm legion advancing,

Legitimate sons of a valorous sire;

Bright as the beams from their burnish’d arms glancing,

As bright are the hopes the young patriots inspire.

Where bold invaders spread

War’s desolations dread,

Swift at the call of their country they fly,

Whilst in the field of fame,

Washington’s sacred name

Dwells on their lips, while they conquer or die.

The deeds of their sires with courage endues them,

To bind round their temples the laurel of fame;

No daring invaders shall ever subdue them,

Who bear on their banner a host in a name.

Till the rude foe recoil,

Midst war’s unceasing toil,

Firm at their posts the young warriors will stand;

Till war’s dark night shall cease,

And the bright star of peace

Sheds its mild beams to illumine the land.

Wreaths ever-blooming now weave for your lover,

Fair maid, who to shield thee is girded in arms,

In the direst of perils your vision will hover,

And strengthen his soul in the battle’s alarms:

Love’s tears shall nourish it,

Warm sighs shall cherish it,

Breathed on the name that all glory endears,

Till Hymen’s happy reign

Binds you in his silken chain,

Secure from war’s perils, and banish’d all fears.