New Document
A War Song For The Nineteenth Century
By Charles Harpur – 1842
The march of Knowledge hasten,
Charge onward, and be free!
Before are Mercy, Justice, Truth,
Our standard-bearers three!
Heed not the threat of hirelings,
Be bold in deed and word!
But spare to use the murderous gun,—
Nor meddle with the sword.
Oh! fought we for the despot,
To plunder—not to save;
To surfeit dungeons with the good—
The eloquent—the brave:
With patriot blood to redden
The violated lands—
Yes, then!—but only then!—‘twere fit
The sword should arm our hands.
But on! Huzza for Freedom!
Behold our puny foes!
Crown, stars, and ribband wearers they,
And such as worship those:
They see us wield no weapon,
But in our front shall find
The artillery o the intellect—
The thunder of the mind!
|