The Yankee hosts are coming,
With their glittering rows of steel,
And sharp, from many a skirmish,
Comes the rifle's ringing peal,
Warning you how very near
The Northern "Hessians" are,
With their overwhelming forces;
But ne'er must you despair.
For though they come on, surging
Like a mighty rolling sea,
They're _hired_ by their master, "Abe"--
_You_ fight for _Liberty_.
So bravely you must meet them,
And face the cannon's blare;
Your watchword, "Victory or Death,"
And never you despair.
True, the cloud is dark and lowering,
But behind a cheerful ray,
And the night is always darkest
Just before the break of day.
Have faith; the cloud will soon disperse,
For the light is surely there;
The day will soon be dawning,
So never you despair.
Go, emulate brave Washington,
Who led a little band,
To drive the proud oppressors
From off their happy land.
The enemy outnumbered,
By far, the "rebels" there;
But bravely they encountered them,
Nor yielded to despair.
'Tis said that "rebel" chieftain,
Ere they sought the battle's fray,
Would ask our Heavenly Father
To be their shield and stay;
And then they'd march with confidence,
Well knowing He'd be there;
And that must be the reason why
They never did despair.
Likewise, if you will ask Him,
He'll meet you on the field,
To be a guard about you,
And your support and shield;
The foe shall fly before you,
As you shout your victory there;
Then don't forget to plead with Him,
And never to despair.