Lynchburg Virginian

From the Charleston Patriot.

Palo-Alto and Resaca,

A NEW SONG FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1846.

I.

Now while our cups are flowing
With memories born to bloom,
And filial hands are throwing
Their wreaths o'er valor's tomb:
While lips exulting shout the praise
Of heroes of the past that stood,
Triumphant, 'mid old Bunker's blaze,
And proud in Etow's field of blood,
Be not forgot the gallant train
That lifts your name in Mexico's war:
One cup for Palo-Alto drain,
One mighty cheer For Resaca!

II.

For Taylor—'Rough and Ready,'
True son of truest sires,
For May, who swift and steady
Trod down La Vega's fire:
For all who in that day of strife,
Maintain'd in pride the stripes and stars,
The dead, who won immortal life,
And they who live for other wars:
For these who with their victory,
New wreaths to grace our laurel bring—
A health that drains the goblet dry,
A cheer that makes the welkin ring!

III.

Nor, though even now we falter
With thoughts of those who died,
And at our festive altar
Grow silent in our pride,
Yet in the heart's most holy deep
Fond memory shrines the happy brave,
Who in the arms of battle sleep
By Palo's wood and Bravo's wave,
Nor in our future deeds forgot,
Shall silent thought forbear to bring
Her tribute to that sacred spot,
Where Ringgold's gallant soul took wing.

IV.

Fill to our country's glory,
Where'er her flag is borne,
Nor in her fading story,
Let future ages mourn,
Nor let the envious foreign foe
Rejoice that faction breaks her speed
Arrests her in the triumph's glow,
And saddens o'er the ascending meed.
Fill high, though from the crystal gate
Your cup, and from the grape hail wine
The marriage rites that lock the fates
To fame, will turn each draught to brine.