Was it for mere existence, that we fought,
Contending only that the state might be?
Through war's dread scenes the higher ends we sought
Of Social Progress, civil Liberty;
For which, at first, our fathers did contend;
That here a true foundation might be laid,
That far and wide the mighty tree might send
Its roots into our soil, and spread its shade;
For Education, free alike for all,
For Temperance, Justice, Virtue, Order, Peace;
That ancient wrongs and errors here might fall,
And war on earth at length forever cease.
What is a nation, if for party ends,
Or for a mere existence it contends?