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ON FORT SUMTER
by Unknown

It was a noble Roman,
In Rome's imperial day,
Who heard a coward croaker
Before the battle say—
"They're safe in such a fortress;
There is no way to shake it"—
"On, on!" exclaimed the hero,
"
I'll find a way, or make it!
"
Is
Fame
your aspiration?
Her path is steep and high;
In vain he seeks the temple,
Content to gaze and sigh;
The crowded town is waiting,
But he
alone
can take it
Who says, with "
Southern firmness
,"
"
I'll find a way, or make it!
"
Is
Glory
your ambition?
There is no royal road;
Alike we all must labor,
Must climb to her abode;
[404]
Who feels the thirst for
glory
,
In Helicon may slake it,
If he has but the "
Southern will
,"
"
To find a way, or make it!
"
Is Sumter worth the getting?
It must be bravely sought;
With wishing and with fretting
The boon cannot be bought;
To
all
the prize is open,
But only he can take it
Who says, with "
Southern courage
,"
"
I'll find a way, or make it!
"
In all impassioned warfare,
The tale has ever been,
That victory crowns the valiant,
The brave are they who win.
Though strong is "
Sumter Fortress
,"
A
Hero
still may take it,
Who says, with "
Southern daring
,"
"
I'll find a way, or make it!
"
Charleston, S. C.,
Mercury
.

Source: Project Gutenberg

Source: Project Gutenberg