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Oliver Wendell Holmes - A Sentiment Offered At The Dinner To H. I. H. The Prince Napoleon
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AT THE REVERE HOUSE,
SEPTEMBER 25,1861

THE land of sunshine and of song!
Her name your hearts divine;
To her the banquet`s vows belong
Whose breasts have poured its wine;
Our trusty friend, our true ally
Through varied change and chance
So, fill your flashing goblets high,--
I give you, VIVE LA FRANCE!

Above our hosts in triple folds
The selfsame colors spread,
Where Valor`s faithful arm upholds
The blue, the white, the red;
Alike each nation`s glittering crest
Reflects the morning`s glance,--
Twin eagles, soaring east and west
Once more, then, VIVE LA FRANCE!

Sister in trial! who shall count
Thy generous friendship`s claim,
Whose blood ran mingling in the fount
That gave our land its name,
Till Yorktown saw in blended line
Our conquering arms advance,
And victory`s double garlands twine
Our banners? VIVE LA FRANCE!

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,
Wake up stout Charles Martel,
Or find some woman`s hand to clench
The sword of La Pucelle!
Give us one hour of old Turenne,--
One lift of Bayard`s lance,--
Nay, call Marengo`s Chief again
To lead us! VIVE LA FRANCE!

Ah, hush! our welcome Guest shall hear
But sounds of peace and joy;
No angry echo vex thine ear,
Fair Daughter of Savoy
Once more! the land of arms and arts,
Of glory, grace, romance;
Her love lies warm in all our hearts
God bless her! VIVE LA FRANCE!
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