Our Country

Dear country ’tis for thee,
And for thy liberty,
     Our sad tears fall,
And for our Leader slain,
Who loved not worldly gain,
Ere life was in the wane,
     On death did call.

As when the Savior prayed,
For man in sin’s dark shade,
     And pardon won,
When by caress betrayed,
A martyr he was made,
And in the tomb was laid,
     Though God’s own Son.

So our dear martyr died,
By suffering sanctified,
     When all was night,
That human souls may know
How gentle spirits go
Where healing waters flow
     In regions bright

“Forgive—forgive,” he cried,
As said the Crucified,—
     “It is God’s way;”
Then plumed his wings to fly;
Then said his last good-by,
And closed his loving eye
     On earth’s dark day. [65][66]

But if our country, rent
With war or punishment
     Shall call on God,
His soul will join the prayer
From realms of holier air
In lands serene and fair,
     Beyond the sod.

Then list and hear the band
Of angels where they stand,
     With him above,
Joining in harmony
That song of liberty,—
Free Country, it is thee
     Our spirits love!