WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY ODE.

Hero, whose ashes sleep By Vernon’s sacred steep, Sire of the free! To-day thy name be blessed North, South, East and West, And swell each patriot’s breast With love to thee. Through tempests drear and dark The Union’s holy ark Thy hand did guide; The ark which rode the flood Of Revolution’s blood For freedom’s mighty God Was on thy side. Where’er thy eagles flew The world our glory knew In war and peace. Safe ’neath the fig and vine Our fathers did recline, And field and wave and mine Gave rich increase. Oh, that to-day might yield Once more the sword and shield Of Washington! Then freedom’s songs sublime Should peal in thrilling chime And, ’til remotest time, The States be one.