Independence Ode
Columbia, fair queen in your glory!
Columbia, the pride of the earth!
We crown you with song-wreath and story;
We honor the day of your birth!
The wrath of a king and his minions
You braved, to be free, on that day;
And the eagle sailed up on strong pinions,
And frightened the lion at bay.
Since the chains and the shackles are broken.
And citizens now replace slaves,
Since the hearts of your heroes have spoken
How dear they held freedom—by graves.
Your beautiful banner is blotless
As it floats to the breezes unfurled,
And but for one blemish, all spotless
Is the record you show to the world.
Like a scar on the features of beauty,
Lies Utah, sin-cursed, in the west.
Columbia! Columbia! your duty
Is to wipe out that stain with the rest!
Not only in freedom, and science,
And letters, should you lead the earth;
But let the earth learn your reliance
In honor and true moral worth.
When Liberty’s torch shall be lighted,
Let her brightest most far-reaching rays
Discover no wrong that’s unrighted—
Go challenge the jealous world’s gaze!
Columbia, your star is ascending!
Columbia, all lands own your sway!
May your reign be as proud and unending
As your glory is brilliant to-day.