The Fine American Spirit
Reading edition
WHO are these, watching from ancestral doors The instant passing of our youth to France? Henceforth, a chapter of the world’s romance Their eyes have seen; it fills their native shores With an undying moment; now it pours On silent breasts, o’erawed, the voice, the glance, The last, fond gleam of each loved countenance, And the heart trembles, while the spirit soars. The generations draw immortal breath That breathe a nation’s soul. From sire to son The glory of the fathers entereth The children’s hearts, and maketh all as one: Bright, at time’s touch, breaks out the holy flame, And to all lands doth freedom’s blood proclaim.
G. E. WOODBERRY.
