Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Washington and Lowell Day/Ode for Washington's Birthday

by Jason Elmer Hammond

 

ODE FOR WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY.

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.

Welcome to the day returning,
Dearer still as ages flow.
While the torch of faith is burning,
Long as freedom’s altars glow!
See the hero whom it gave us
Slumbering on a mother’s breast.
For the arm he stretched to save us,
Be its morn forever blest.

Hear the tale of youthful glory,
While of Britain’s rescued band.
Friend and foe repeat the story,
Spread its fame o’er sea and land.
Where the red cross fondly streaming.
Flaps above the frigate’s deck.
Where the golden lilies, gleaming,
Star the watchtow’rs of Quebec.

Look! the shadow on the dial,
Marks the hour of deadlier strife;
Days of terror, years of trial,
Scourge a nation into life.
Lo, the youth, become her leader:
All her baffled tyrants yield;
Through his arm the Lord hath freed her;
Crown him on the tented field!

Vain is Empire’s mad temptation.
Not for him an earthly crown!
He whose sword has freed a nation.
Strikes the offered sceptre down.
See the throneless conqueror seated.
Ruler by a people’s choice;
See the Patriot’s task completed;
Hear the Father’s dying voice,—

“By the name that you inherit,
By the suff’rings you recall,
Cherish the fraternal spirit;
Love your country first of all!
Listen not to idle questions
If its bands may be untied;
Doubt the patriot whose suggestions
Strive a nation to divide!”

Father! we whose ears have tingled
With the discord notes of shame,
We, whose sires their blood have mingled
In the battle’s thunder flame,
Gath’ring while this holy morning
Lights the land from sea to sea,—
Hear thy counsel, heed thy warning;
Trust us, while we honor thee!