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They stood within those fortress walls,
A small but gallant band; O'er them still waved the stars and stripes, Bright emblem of their land.
Scarce there one man to every star
This hero band could boast, Yet they must guard the banner there Against a countless host.
The chieftain called his men around,
And pointing to those stars, " Dare you defend them with your lives ? " They answered with huzzas.
His pitying eye o'erlooked his men,
Then at the flag on high; A tear stole down his cheek for those That were too brave to die.
"Haul down your colors from the staff,
You shall not perish here; It were in vain to ask of you A sacrifice so dear.
On yonder fortress it shall wave,
And all the world defy; Then, if your country dares demand, There we can nobly die."
The morning sun salutes that flag,
Defended by that band; Humanity's great heart sends forth Its plaudits o'er the land.
Our Union banner still shall wave,
Each star in bold relief, If we but dare defend our flag Like Sumter's gallant chief.
A small but gallant band; O'er them still waved the stars and stripes, Bright emblem of their land.
Scarce there one man to every star
This hero band could boast, Yet they must guard the banner there Against a countless host.
The chieftain called his men around,
And pointing to those stars, " Dare you defend them with your lives ? " They answered with huzzas.
His pitying eye o'erlooked his men,
Then at the flag on high; A tear stole down his cheek for those That were too brave to die.
"Haul down your colors from the staff,
You shall not perish here; It were in vain to ask of you A sacrifice so dear.
On yonder fortress it shall wave,
And all the world defy; Then, if your country dares demand, There we can nobly die."
The morning sun salutes that flag,
Defended by that band; Humanity's great heart sends forth Its plaudits o'er the land.
Our Union banner still shall wave,
Each star in bold relief, If we but dare defend our flag Like Sumter's gallant chief.