AT THE REVERE HOUSE, <br />SEPTEMBER 25,1861 <br /> <br />THE land of sunshine and of song! <br />Her name your hearts divine; <br />To her the banquet's vows belong <br />Whose breasts have poured its wine; <br />Our trusty friend, our true ally <br />Through varied change and chance <br />So, fill your flashing goblets high,-- <br />I give you, VIVE LA FRANCE! <br /> <br />Above our hosts in triple folds <br />The selfsame colors spread, <br />Where Valor's faithful arm upholds <br />The blue, the white, the red; <br />Alike each nation's glittering crest <br />Reflects the morning's glance,-- <br />Twin eagles, soaring east and west <br />Once more, then, VIVE LA FRANCE! <br /> <br />Sister in trial! who shall count <br />Thy generous friendship's claim, <br />Whose blood ran mingling in the fount <br />That gave our land its name, <br />Till Yorktown saw in blended line <br />Our conquering arms advance, <br />And victory's double garlands twine <br />Our banners? VIVE LA FRANCE! <br /> <br />O land of heroes! in our need <br />One gift from Heaven we crave <br />To stanch these wounds that vainly bleed,-- <br />The wise to lead the brave! <br />Call back one Captain of thy past <br />From glory's marble trance, <br />Whose name shall be a bugle-blast <br />To rouse us! VIVE LA FRANCE! <br /> <br />Pluck Conde's baton from the trench, <br />Wake up stout Charles Martel, <br />Or find some woman's hand to clench <br />The sword of La Pucelle! <br />Give us one hour of old Turenne,-- <br />One lift of Bayard's lance,-- <br />Nay, call Marengo's Chief again <br />To lead us! VIVE LA FRANCE! <br /> <br />Ah, hush! our welcome Guest shall hear <br />But sounds of peace and joy; <br />No angry echo vex thine ear, <br />Fair Daughter of Savoy <br />Once more! the land of arms and arts, <br />Of glory, grace, romance; <br />Her love lies warm in all our hearts <br />God bless her! VIVE LA FRANCE!<br /><br />Oliver Wendell Holmes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-sentiment-offered-at-the-dinner-to-h-i-h-the-prince-napoleon/
