Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

The Gathering Song—1840

THEY’RE rousing, they’re rousing, in valley and glen,

The noble in soul, and the fearless in heart;

At Freedom’s stern call to the combat again

They rush with a zeal she alone can impart.

From wild Madawaska’s dark forests of pine

To the far, fertile glades where the calm Wabash flows,

True sons of their fathers! the people combine,

To shake off the chains of their tyrants and foes.

They’re gathering, they’re gathering, on hill-side and plain,

They swarm every vale, and o’ershadow each river,

Each hamlet and dell is made vocal again,

With the soul-thrilling cry of “Our country forever!”

The flag of the free to the breeze is unfurl’d,

Around it they rally to guard its fair fame;

And well may the foes of corruption be bold,

In the glory and strength of their Harrison’s name.

Where the noble Ohio in wild beauty sweeps,

Where the swift Susquehanna bears onward its waves,

And e’en where the Hudson in calm grandeur sleeps,

There are thousands of freemen who scorn to be slaves.

Arouse then, true hearts! to the battle once more!

And the spoilers shall quail at your gallant array.

Despair fades behind us—Hope’s morn dawns before:

It will brighten full soon to a shadowless day.