To Arms

Awake! arise, ye men of might!
The glorious hour is nigh,--
Your eagle pauses in his flight,
And screams his battle-cry.

From North to South, from East to West:
Send back an answering cheer,
And say farewell to peace and rest,
And banish doubt and fear.

Arm! arm! your country bids you arm!
Fling out your banners free--
Let drum and trumpet sound alarm,
O'er mountains, plain, and sea.

March onward from th' Atlantic shore,
To Rio Grande's tide--
Fight as your fathers fought of yore!
Die as your fathers died!

Go! vindicate your country's fame,
Avenge your country's wrong!
The sons should own a deathless name,
To whom such sires belong.

The kindred of the noble dead
As noble deeds should dare:
The fields whereon their blood was shed
A deeper stain must bear.

To arms! to arms! ye men of might;
Away from home, away!
The first and foremost in the fight
Are sure to win the day!