Oh, Say, Who Is He?

60

Tune — "The Star Spangled Banner."

OH, say, who is he, through the forest so dark,
With his warrior legions advancing to battle?
Where the yell of the savage re-echoes — and hark!
Where the death dealing strokes of their rifle balls rattle,
What is it they fear? — 't is his name that they hear,
With the cry of revenge for the blood of the dear;
'Tis the name of our Harrison — long will it flame
In letters of light on the banner of Fame!

How piercing the shriek, uttered thrillingly wild,
From the heart of the mother, in agony swelling,
As she mourns the sad fate of her innocent child
Torn from her, while blazens her desolate dwelling!
Who soothes her alarms, and her wretchedness calms,
And restores, gaily smiling, her babe to her arms?
Oh, say — 't is our Harrison — long will his name
Float in letters of light on the banner of Fame!

Rouse! Rouse! To the battle! Remember your sires;
Their fame is immortal — and how have they gained it!
They fought for their rights, and their own household fires,
And the blood of a fallen foe never has stained it.

61

Let our enemies feel, at our charge as they reel,
That the vanquished are safe from the American steel!
Who spake thus? Our Harrison — long may his name
Float in letters of light on the banner of Fame!

The war cry is hushed, and the struggle is o'er;
No longer in strife are the bayonets gleaming;
For gallantly far on the sea and the shore,
Is the star-spangled banner in victory streaming;
And changes he now, the sharp sword for the plough,
But green still the laurel that circles his brow!
Then huzza! 't is our Harrison — long will his name
Float in letters of light on the banner of Fame!