History & Politics

The Grecian War-song

by Henry Scott Riddell born 1798; living 1855–57

From The Modern Scottish Minstrel, vol. 4 (1855–57)

History & Politics

On! on to the fields, where of old
The laurels of freedom were won;
Let us think, as the banners of Greece we unfold,
Of the brave in the pages of glory enroll'd,
And the deeds by our forefathers done!
O yet, if there's aught that is dear,
Let bravery's arm be its shield;
Let love of our country give power to each spear,
And beauty's pale cheek dry its long-gather'd tear
In the light of the weapons we wield.
Awake then to glory, that Greece yet may be
The land--the proud land of the famed and the free!

Rear! rear the proud trophies once more,
Where Persia's hosts were o'erthrown;
Let the song of our triumph arise on our shore,
Till the mountains give back the far sounds, as of yore,
To the fields where our foemen lie strewn!
Oh ne'er shall our bold efforts cease
Till the garlands of freedom shall wave
In breezes, which, fraught with the tidings of peace,
Shall wander o'er all the fair islands of Greece,
And cool not the lip of a slave;
Awake then to glory! that Greece yet may be
The land--the proud land of the famed and the free!

MLA

Riddell, Henry Scott. “The Grecian War-song.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/riddell/6/.

Chicago

Riddell, Henry Scott. “The Grecian War-song.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/riddell/6/.

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