FILL, brothers, fill! — the brightest pour — To them, the great and good, Who thronged this hall, in days of yore, And firm for Freedom stood — And firm, &c. Not then the festive board was spread, Those gallant men to cheer; Not then its charm the wine-cup shed, Like that which sparkles here — Like that, &c. From them went up no merry song, When they this temple filled; But bold "rebellion" fired each tongue, And "war" each bosom thrilled — And war, &c. 'T was for a prouder deed they met, That should their names adorn; They came a glorious feast to set For ages yet unborn — For ages, &c. And nobly through their work they went, In wisdom and in power, And down to us the blessing sent That crowns this happy hour — That crowns, &c. Then, brothers, fill! — the brightest pour — To them, the great and good, Who round this hall, in days of yore, For us and Freedom stood — For us, &c. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: JACOB GODBEY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS MENAPHON: SAMELA by ROBERT GREENE MILTON'S PRAYER [OF PATIENCE, OR, IN BLINDNESS] by ELIZABETH LLOYD HOWELL A LIFE-LESSON by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY |