INDEPENDENCE DAY.

With pomp of waving banners, With beat of throbbing drums, And shouts of happy people, The joyous morning comes; The very air is thrilling, And every heart is gay, For once again we welcome Our Independence day. 'Twas a very little nation That set apart "the Fourth"; 'Tis a nation strong and mighty Which keeps it, South and North. Our flag of stars is floating From surging sea to sea, And beneath its folds we gather, A people great and free. Not the older Magna Charta Was a pledge of braver hearts Than the later Declaration From which this proud day starts. Stout souls they were that framed it, Stout hands that signed and sealed, And the birthright thus they gave us We never more will yield. So to gallant martial music We are stepping down the street, With the shrilling bugles calling, And the drum's exulting beat, While from every spire and steeple There flutters, blithe and gay, The flag we love and honor This Independence day. Margaret E. Sangster.