O Freedom

O Freedom, in thy cause I fought, For twenty years I fought in vain; And in my mountain shelter naught But worthless trophies now remain. Yet in my heart I hear a cry, Which never there makes a vain appeal: I would once more beneath thy sky Brandish my sharp and shining steel. How much one stakes upon thy dream, How much for but thy name we pay; How cheap the passing ages seem, When years are given for thy day. How many still would fight and die In thine old cause and for thy weal! I would once more beneath thy sky Brandish my sharp and shining steel. The purest love I give away, The bliss of it I set at naught; Again I'm on my wayward way Seeking what I have often sought. My wounded hopes, my bleeding ties, No peace inglorious e’er shall heal: I would once more beneath thy skies Brandish my sharp and shining steel. O Freedom, though thy price be high, Though one for thee his life must seal, I would once more beneath thy sky Brandish my sharp and shining steel.