The Flag In The Schoolroom
[Written for the Central Street Grammar School, Gardiner, Me., Dec. 20, 1880.]
Goddess Freedom, look abroad
From thy snowy mount to-night!
In all thy realm so fair and broad,
Thou shalt not see a fairer sight.
Youthful hearts, so glad and free,
Paying homage due to thee:
Youthful voices, fresh and strong,
Singing thine immortal song.
As the stars with many a ray
Deck thy banner’s azure field,
So these children stand to-day,
Stars of hope upon thy shield.
May each boy, to manhood grown,
Ever, Freedom, be thine own;
Now thy nursling, frail and tender,
Then thy strength and thy defender.
In the years that are to come,
Be they dark or be they bright,
Make in these young hearts thy home,
Raise them to thy lofty height.
Keep them still, in manhood’s glow,
Pure as is our northern snow;
Keep their faith, till life be done,
Bright as is our northern sun!