Classic Poem

To thee, Columbia! favored clime,
From Erin comes a bitter cry;
Oh! must she still with hunger pine,
Her famished sons by thousands die?

O gracious Heaven! who can portray
Those scenes of wretchedness and woe?
The heart grows faint, and turns away,
While tears for suffering Erin flow.

Convulsive to her throbbing breast
The mother clasps her starving child,
And heavily by want oppressed
Thy aid implores with anguish wild.

Canst thou those generous hearts forget,
That warmly beat and fought for thee?
Alas! those radiant stars have set,
Yet by their sacred memory,

Oh! aid the land that gave them birth,
Her cheerful smile again restore,
And prove how dearly prized the worth
Of noble heroes now no more.