Give us a name to fill the mind <br />With the shining thoughts that lead mankind, <br />The glory of learning, the joy of art, -- <br />A name that tells of a splendid part <br />In the long, long toil and the strenuous fight <br />Of the human race to win its way <br />From the feudal darkness into the day <br />Of Freedom, Brotherhood, Equal Right, -- <br />A name like a star, a name of light. <br />I give you France! <br /> <br />Give us a name to move the heart <br />With a warmer glow and a swifter flood, -- <br />A name like the sound of a trumpet, clear, <br />And silver-sweet, and iron-strong, <br />That calls three million men to their feet, <br />Ready to march, and steady to meet <br />The foes who threaten that name with wrong, -- <br />A name that rings like a battle-song. <br />I give you France! <br /> <br />Give us a name to move the heart <br />With the strength that noble griefs impart, <br />A name that speaks of the blood outpoured <br />To save minkind from the sway of the sword, -- <br />A name that calls on the world to share <br />In the burden of sacrificial strife <br />Where the cause at stake is the world's free life <br />Andthe rule of the people everywhere, -- <br />A name like a vow, a name like a prayer. <br />I give you France!<br /><br />Henry Van Dyke<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-name-of-france/
