Who shall rule this American Nation? <br />Say, boys, say! <br />Who shall sit in the loftiest station? <br />Say, boys, say! <br />Shall the men who trampled on the banner? <br />They who now their country would betray? <br />They who murder the innocent freedmen? <br />Say, boys, say! <br /> <br />"No, never! no, never!" <br />The loyal millions say; <br />And 'tis they who rule this American Nation! <br />They, boys, they! <br /> <br />Who shall rank as the family royal? <br />Say, boys, say! <br />If not those who are honest and loyal? <br />Say, boys, say! <br />Then shall one elected as our servant, <br />In his pride, assume a regal sway? <br />Must we bend to a human Dictator? <br />Say, boys, say! <br /> <br />Shall we tarnish our national glory? <br />Say, boys, say! <br />Blot one line from the wonderful story? <br />Say, boys, say! <br />Did we vainly shed our blood in battle? <br />Did our troops resultless win the day? <br />Was our time and our treasure all squander'd? <br />Say, boys, say!<br /><br />Henry Clay Work<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/who-shall-rule-this-american-nation/
