Rebels

Rebels! 't is a holy name! The name our fathers bore, When battling in the cause of Right, Against the tyrant in his might, In the dark days of yore. Rebels! 't is our family name! Our father, Washington, Was the arch-rebel in the fight, And gave the name to use,-a right Of father unto son. Rebels! 't is our given name! Our mother, Liberty, Received the title with her fame, In days of grief, of fear, and shame, When at her breast were we. Rebels! 't is our sealed name! A baptism of blood! The war-aye, and the din of strife- The fearful contest, life for life- The mingled crimson flood. Rebels! 't is a patriot's name! In struggles it was given; We bore it then when tyrants raved And through their curses 't was engraved On the doomsday-book of heaven. Rebels! 't is our fighting name! For peace rules o'er the land, Until they speak of craven woe- Until our rights receive a blow, From foe's or brother's hand. Rebels! 't is our dying name! For, although life is dear, Yet, freemen born and freemen bred, We'd rather live as freemen dead, Than live in slavish fear. Then call us rebels if you will- We glory in the name; For bending under unjust laws, And swearing faith to an unjust cause, We count a greater shame.