William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Death of WarrenEpes Sargent (18131880)
W
To arms sprang our fathers, the foe to withstand;
On old Bunker Hill their intrenchments they rear,
When the army is join’d by a young volunteer.
“Tempt not death!” cried his friends; but he bade them good-bye,
Saying, “O! it is sweet for our country to die.”
Mid the thunder of cannon, the pealing of bells:
And a light, not of battle, illumes yonder spire,
Scene of wo and destruction! ’tis Charlestown on fire!
The young volunteer heedeth not the sad cry,
But murmurs, “’Tis sweet for our country to die!”
A volley of musketry checks their career!
With the dead and the dying the hill-side is strown,
And the shout through our lines is, “The day is our own!”
“Not yet,” cries the young volunteer, “do they fly!
Stand firm! it is sweet for our country to die!”
“Retreat!” says our chief, “since unarm’d we remain!”
But the young volunteer lingers yet on the field,
Reluctant to fly, and disdaining to yield.
A shot!—ah! he falls! but his life’s latest sigh
Is, “’Tis sweet, O! ’tis sweet for our country to die!”
To perish for country at Liberty’s call!
Should the flag of invasion profane evermore
The blue of our seas, or the green of our shore,
May the hearts of our people re-echo that cry,
“’Tis sweet, O! ’tis sweet for our country to die.”