Columbia
Reading edition
She comes along old Ocean’s trackless way— A warrior scenting conflict from afar And fearing not defeat nor battle-scar Nor all the might of wind and dashing spray; Her foaming path to triumph none may stay For in the East, there shines her morning star; She feels her strength in every shining spar As one who grasps his sword and waits for day. Columbia, Defender! dost thou hear? The clarion challenge sweeps the sea And straight toward the lightship doth she steer, Her steadfast pulses sounding jubilee; Arise, Defender! for thy way is clear And all thy country’s heart goes out to thee.