Thus, in the name and cause of honour, the youth, generous and brave, with all those who are compelled to take arms, sally forth with the ambitious hope to bear down at once all contending opposition, and give themselves no time to reflect on the many disconsolate ones they leave behind them, that, however deeply concerned, can neither engage or assist in the shocking contest; while they go forward hastily to meet the foe, and hosts are advancing to dispute with them the victory, and they can indulge no thought concerning those who, when the battle is over, may have to lament the loss of a father, brother, or some other dear friend, and who mournfully await the decisive tidings, which perhaps is to render them for ever disconsolate; while they remain a prey to that incessant anguish which naturally awaits those who have lost, in this manner, their dearest friends and relations. Thick clouds were darkly pending Above the battle fray, And foemen were contending For the fortune of the day. And high in air the banner bright, Waving o'er land and sea, The potent symbol of their might, The emblem of the free. Brave hearts that stood amid the storm That burst in fury round; With many a stern and manly form, Sunk powerless to the ground. Deep gloom had settled round them, And darkness veil'd the sky, When Freedom, with her starry train, Descended from on high. When, at her bidding, lo, a chief Amid the throng appear'd; When, the goddess halted by his side, And thus his spirits cheer'd: "Oh, let not care oppress thee, But banish far thy fears, For, in blessing, I will bless thee, And will wipe away thy tears; "And a banner thou shalt still retain, And a hand to lead the brave To glory and to victory, Or to the hero's grave." Then fear not, honoured chieftain, For yet again shall be, Your flag shall wave o'er every land, And float on every sea. What though in foreign clime it waves, Careering on the wind, Whatever shore the ocean laves, A due respect will find. And the thunders of your ships of war Along the deep shall roll, While the canvas of your merchantmen Shall sweep from pole to pole. "And now, oh gallant chief," she cried, "Hold fast the glorious prize; The flag with blue and crimson dyed, And stars that gemmed the skies, "Have left their native spheres to shed Their radiance o'er the field; Then while it waves above your head, To the foeman never yield. "Bright forms shall hover o'er thee In the midst of war's alarms; And in triumph shall restore thee To a nation's waiting arms. "Then on to Freedom's stormy height, Go forth in valour and in might, And bear aloft this emblem bright, Amid the battle fray." Now around their chief they rally, And with zeal their bosoms glow; While the hoarse cannon bellows forth Defiance to the foe.