Tuesday, November 27, 2012

1863: Columbia, Queen of the Land


Columbia, Queen of the Land.
by George A. Elliot.
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 2, 1863.

America! Home of the free,
To the star of thy liberties bright
Turn the eyes of the millions who flee
For a rescue from tyranny's night!
Though thy magical name and ensign unfurled
May enkindle some envy with joy in the world,
Yet the orbs of thy Union shall glow through all time
While the nations of earth own their splendor sublime!

CHORUS:
O, Columbia's banner, the flag of the free,
Shall be honored for aye, o'er the land and the sea!

Columbia's Queen of the Land!
From the heart of the nation, her throne,
She proclaims this benignant command:
"Let the will of my people be known!
They are free from the scourge of oppression's fell rod;
They are free evermore in the worship of God!
And the ensign that beams o'er the land of my birth
Shall a welcome fling out for the bond of the earth!"

CHORUS:
O, Columbia's banner, the flag of the free,
Shall be honored for aye, o'er the land and the sea!

America! Home of the free!
'Tis thy dear starry emblem that holds
The enchantment that binds us to thee-
All our fortunes to thine-in its folds!
On the wretch who its lustre or glory would pall
Shall the furious vengeance of patriots fall!
Yes, thy flag shall be sacred wherever unfurled,
And shall awe every traitor and foe in the world!

CHORUS:
O, Columbia's banner, the flag of the free,
Shall be honored for aye, o'er the land and the sea!





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