The Flag

LET it idly droop, or swayTo the wind's light will;Furl its stars, or float in day;Flutter, or be still!It has held its colors bright,Through the war-smoke dun;Spotless emblem of the Right,Whence success was won.

Let it droop in graceful restFor a passing hour,—Glory's banner, last and best;Freedom's freshest flower!Each red stripe has blazoned forthGospels writ in blood;Every star has sung the birthOf some deathless good.

Let it droop, but not too long!On the eager windBid it wave, to shame the wrong,To inspire mankindWith a larger human love;With a truth as trueAs the heaven that broods aboveIts deep field of blue.

In the gathering hosts of hope,In the march of man,Open for it place and scope,Bid it lead the van;Till beneath the searching skies,Martyr-blood be found,Purer than our sacrifice,Crying from the ground:—

Till a flag with some new lightOut of Freedom's sky,Kindles, through the gulfs of night,Glory yet more high.Let its glow the darkness drown!Give our banner sway;Till its joyful stars go down,In undreamed-of day!