Catch me confiding my person with strangers! Such was the stuff of the Malakoff-takers, Yield him the sidewalk, ye nursery maidens! When the red flails of the battle-field's threshers While the wind scatters the chaffy seceshers, When the brown soldiers come back from the borders, How will he look while his features they scan? How will he feel when he gets marching orders, Signed by his lady love? sweet little man! Fear not for him, though the rebels expect him, — Now then, nine cheers for the Stay-at-home Ranger! Blow the great fish-horn and beat the big pan! First in the field that is farthest from danger, Take your white-feather plume, sweet little man! VIVE LA FRANCE! A SENTIMENT OFFERED AT THE DINNER TO H. I. H. THE PRINCE NAPOLEON, AT THE REVERE HOUSE, SEPT. 25, 1861. THE land of sunshine and of song! Her name your hearts divine; To her the banquet's vows belong Our trusty friend, our true ally Through varied change and chance: Above our hosts in triple folds Once more, then, VIVE LA FRANCE! Sister in trial! who shall count Thy generous friendship's claim, Till Yorktown saw in blended line And victory's double garlands twine O land of heroes! in our need One gift from Heaven we crave To stanch these wounds that vainly bleed, The wise to lead the brave! Call back one Captain of thy past From glory's marble trance, Whose name shall be a bugle-blast To rouse us! VIVE LA FRANCE! Pluck Conde's baton from the trench, Or find some woman's hand to clench Nay, call Marengo's Chief again To lead us! VIVE LA FRANCE! |