Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

To the Volunteer

GO, friend of my bosom, the trumpet’s shrill cry,

Has summon’d the soldier to arms;

With patriot valour each bosom beats high,

And Freedom her votaries warms.

Shall I, while my country is bleeding, recline

On the bosom of indolent ease!

No, no! in her cause even thee I resign,

Though naught but thy presence can please.

Go, dearer than life to thy Caroline’s heart,

The din of the battle’s begun;

Go, share in each danger a valorous part,

And fight till the victory is won.

The cherub of safety before thee shall fly,

And shelter the brave with her wing;

And Mercy shall guard thee when danger is nigh,

And thee to my bosom shall bring.

And think not, dear youth, for thy absence I’ll moan,

Or weep when I bid thee adieu;

I’ll twine the bright chaplet to greet thy return,

And live, dearest soldier, for you.

Thy country has call’d thee, the mandate obey,

O! snatch not another adieu;

The tear I’ll suppress—gallant soldier, away!

I’ll live for my country and you.