Ode For Washington's Birthday

Ode For Washington's Birthday

Welcome to the day returning.
Dearer still as ages flow;
While the torch of faith is burning,
Long as Freedom's altars glow.
See the hero that it gave us
Slumbering on a mother's breast.
For the arm he stretched to save us,
Be its morn forever blest!

Hear the tale of youthful glory
While of Britain's rescued band;
Friend and foe repeat the story.
Spread his fame o'er sea and land.
Where the red cross, proudly streaming.
Flaps above the frigate's deck,
Where the golden lilies gleaming
Star the watchtower of Quebec.

Look! the shadow on the dial
Marks the hour of deadlier strife;
Days of terror, years of trial,
Scourge a nation into life.
Lo, the youth became the leader!
All her baffled tyrants yield!
Through his arm the Lord has freed her.
Crown him on the tented field.

Vain is empire's mad temptation --
Not for him an earthly crown;
He whose sword hath freed a nation
Strikes the offered scepter down.
See the throneless conqueror seated.
Ruler by a people's choice;
See the patriot's task completed;
Hear the father's dying voice. 

By the name that you inherit,

By the sufferings you recall,
Cherish the fraternal spirit,
Love your country first of all.
Listen not to idle questions,
If its bands may be untied;
Doubt the patriot whose suggestions
Whisper that its props may slide.

Father! we whose ears have tingled
With the words of doubt and shame;
We, whose sires their blood have mingled
In the battle's th tinder-flame ;
Gathering, while this holy morning
Lights the land from sea to sea;
Hear thy counsel, heed thy warning,
Trust us, while we honor thee.