On Fort Sumter

It was a noble Roman,
In Rome's imperial day,
Who heard a coward croaker
Before the battle say--
"They're safe in such a fortress;
There is no way to shake it"--
"On, on!" exclaimed the hero,
"I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!"

Is FAME your aspiration?
Her path is steep and high;
In vain he seeks the temple,
Content to gaze and sigh;
The crowded town is waiting,
But he alone can take it
Who says, with "SOUTHERN FIRMNESS,"
"I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!"

Is GLORY your ambition?
There is no royal road;
Alike we all must labor,
Must climb to her abode;
Who feels the thirst for glory,
In Helicon may slake it,
If he has but the "SOUTHERN WILL,"
"TO FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!"

Is Sumter worth the getting?
It must be bravely sought;
With wishing and with fretting
The boon cannot be bought;
To all the prize is open,
But only he can take it
Who says, with "SOUTHERN COURAGE,"
"I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!"

In all impassioned warfare,
The tale has ever been,
That victory crowns the valiant,
The brave are they who win.
Though strong is "Sumter Fortress,"
A HERO still may take it,
Who says, with "SOUTHERN DARING,"
"I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!"