  Ring busy bells, across the night, Ring in the tender morning light; Let merry measures wake the noon And sunset echo back the tune. Ambitious who shall lead the van Of quick rejoicing, boy and man, And maid and matron mingle tears With joyful chimes and ringing cheers. Remember Concord, Bunker Hill, They bid the pulses leap and thrill And still athwart the storied past The present has new meaning cast. ’Tis midnight and the solemn hush Is shattered by a sudden gush, A swaying turbulence of sound That on the startled ear rebounds. Ring, happy bells, for as you ring Sweet memories about you cling; Again we independent stand, Deliverers of this dear land. The signal boom triumphant comes ’Mid clashing bells and throbbing drums, As eager bon-fires flaming high Imprint their glory on the sky. We hear the words of Washington, We praise his work and cry “Well done!” And when we closer look we see Our pride, the father of the free. While briefly glancing down the years Behold a host of grand careers. They gave us knowledge, virtue, land And arts which every year expand. We honor Lincoln, steadfast, true, Type of what one good man can do; He loosed the shackels of the slave: Preserve the liberty he gave. The grim destruction of the Maine Was not a source of grief in vain, The sadness of her loss was meant To bring to Cuba’s heart content. O’er restless miles of ocean vast Columbia’s brave sons have passed, Till other nations love to view Our flag, the red, the white, the blue. Philippines, to patriot eyes, A trust, but never more a prize; McKinley’s noble work shall live: We fight, we conquer, we forgive. To crown a stricken race’s release, Welcome the blessed boon of peace. Whatever gifts our homes may bless, May we no distant homes oppress. |
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