The Fourth of July

The Fourth of July 
by Charles Sprague

To the sages who spoke, to the heroes who bled,

To the day and the deed, strike the harp-

strings of glory!

Let the song of the ransomed remember the

dead,

And the tongue of the eloquent hallow the story!

O'er the bones of the bold

Be that story long told,

And on fame's golden tables their triumphs en-

rolled

Who on freedom's green hills freedom's banner un-

furled,

And the beacon-fire raised that gave light to the world!

They are gone--mighty men! --and they sleep in their

fame:

Shall we ever forget them? Oh, never! no, never!

Let our sons learn from us to embalm each great

name,

And the anthem send down--"Independence for-

ever!"

Wake, wake, heart and tongue!

Keep the theme ever young;

Let their deeds through the long line of ages be

sung

Who on freedom's green hills freedom's banner un-

furled,

And the beacon-fire raised that gave light to the world!