20

Voice of a Grateful Nation.

WRITTEN ON VALENTINE'S DAY
BY HENRY P. GRATTAN.

I remember the time in the wild tangle glades,
Where like lightning the keen arrows flew,
Where the red men swarmed thick in their forest and glades,
But the victory smiled upon you;
And I think on the hours when undaunted you stood
On the banks of the swift RIO GRANDE!
And despite all their number beside the dark flood
Reared the flag of your dear native land.
I know, though a LION'S, your heart in the fight,
Compassion your bosom can show,
That an enemy conquered becomes in your sight
A man! though he may be a foe.
Undaunted, untrammelled, resistless and true
Hear the voice of the nation proclaim
Her choice, "ROUGH-AND-READY," has fixed upon you,
With nine cheers for old ZACHARY'S fame!
Hip, hip — once again! again nine times nine,
"ROUGH-AND-READY" for ever! the "STATES' VALENTINE!"