Ballads of Peace in War

WAR IN THE NORTH

    Not from Mars and not from Thor
    Comes the war, the welcome war,
    Many months we waited for
    To free us from the bondage
    Of Winter's gloomy reign:
    Valor to our hope is bound,
    Songs of courage loud resound,
    Vowed is Spring to win her ground
    Through all our northern country,
    From Oregon to Maine.

    All our loyal brave allies
    In the Southlands mobilize,
    Faith is sworn to our emprise,
    The scouting breezes whisper
    That help is sure today:
    Vanguards of the springtime rains
    Cannonade the hills and plains,
    Freeing them from Winter's chains,
    So birds and buds may flourish
    Around the throne of May.

    Hark! and hear the clarion call
    Bluebirds give by fence and wall!
    Look!  The darts of sunlight fall,
    And red shields of the robins
    Ride boldly down the leas;
    Hail!  The cherry banners shine,
    Onward comes the battle line,—
    On!  White dogwood waves the sign,
    And exile troops of blossoms
    Are sailing meadow seas.

    Winter's tyrant king retires;
    Spring leads on her legion choirs
    Where the hedges sound their lyres;
    The victor hills and valleys
    Ring merrily the tune:
    April cohorts guard the way
    For the great enthroning day,
    When the Princess of May
    Shall wed within our northlands
    The charming Prince of June.