fCk » / ■> .^ O. ♦ • « o " rO .^ ... VV Ammra r BY J. E. KLINGBERG NEW BRITAIN, - - - CONNECTICUT .1 America • • • PRO PATRIA ^^nHEY thought in Europe that this country fair ^^y Was dreamland only and its laws were air; They had not felt what in our bosom dwells, Or heard the sound of Freedom's silver bells. But now they know and fully understand That the American is their truest friend And that our country, although firm as steel, Is not a tyrant with an iron heel To crush the life of Truth and Innocence, But to give justice and to right defense. Old England could not see in days of yore Why Pilgrims left their own ancestral shore For this great continent, in those days new. Without the aid of kings, in numbers few; But now it's clear to every English mind That it was surely best for all mankind. Erase, England, from thy hist'ry's page The words of sneer you wrote in bygone age. And stretch thy hand across the roaring sea To us, a race new-born, yet strong and free, H And let us feel thy grip of friendship true, Our heart's affection we will give you too; ^ Each other then we understand at last, -^-^ Look forward, England, and forget the past! America, Queen of golden west, thy name Shall travel swiftly on the wings of fame. And all the world shall write thy deeds in stone From mighty Wilson back to Washington; Thy Stars and Stripes in heaven's Hght unfurled, Shall speak of freedom to a panting world; Thy ships shall leave our shores with golden grain ■'•. ] GOT ■ ' '" ' Author And with much treasured wealth return again. And yet thy wealth is not alone in gold, But in the character of finest mould That sons and daughters of thy race can show In words and actions true where'er they go. Thy future hope build on the rock of Truth, And teach each maiden and each manly youth That Justice only can forever stand . And give protection to their fatherland; Destroy all evil and all selfish greed, Protect the weak and be their friend in need. It seems that Providence appointed you To break the fetters of the slave and to Proclaim to nations, whether great or small, That there is happiness and room for all Upon this globe, and with the weapons bright Defend that sacred truth, that right is might; And to the nations tranquil peace restore And do away with wars for evermore. This is thy work, a real gigantic task, But you can do it. Tear away the mask Of secret statesmanship that there may be Another era ruled by honesty When honest men will honest work perform, And justice rule, and hatred's cankerworm Be hurled with force into the darkest deep. Where evil spirits shall forever weep Without the flowing tears that oft renew The aching heart with fresh consoling dew. And when this work is finished every tongue Will join in singing an immortal song, A song as mighty as Niagara's wave That will resound in every mount and cave: The sun shall rise upon a new-born race And in eternal light the world embrace; The earth will celebrate her jubilee And holy angels shall our gladness see; And from His throne on heaven's shining shore Our God will smile upon the earth once more. J. E. Klingberg. H 19 89 (300 Copies Printed) ** •••^r;.- ^,* o ♦ , h %'& '^^' \^