Page:Memories of Virginia.djvu/69

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Memories of Virginia


SIXTH MEMORY.

 
Hear ye the century voice again,
The echo of republic song,
To guide the march of victory !
To stand for right against the wrong.
The war of eighteen hundred twelve,
A war the sons of patriots won,
The second war for liberty,
A new world war to right a wrong.
On the high seas to hold our place,
To stand with nations of the world,
Our fighting qualities to test,
Our flag of victory to unfurl.
Madison, of William and Mary,
Gave early orders "to march on."
And Pinckney sounded the key note,
"Millions for war, for tribute none."

The men of '12 won great results,
They tested strength of men born free,
England they fought instead of France,
To hold our rights on the high sea.
Our Nelson and our Wellington,
Two warrior sons of patriot sires,
Fought for our seaman's liberty,
The men of '12 to win desires.
Our seamen bold out on the lake,
In New Orleans our soldiers true,
"The enemy ours" brave Perry cried,
Jackson escaped "a Waterloo!"

In Indian wars the campus men,
Stood on the firing line as one,
True sons of fighting pioneers,
The trail of conquest led them on.
Now listen to the voice again,

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