Listen not to idle questions

If its bands may be untied;

Doubt the patriot whose suggestions
Strive a nation to divide."

Father! we, whose ears have tingled
With the discord notes of shame;
We, whose sires their blood have mingled
In the battle's thunder-flame,—
Gathering, while this holy morning
Lights the land from sea to sea,
Hear thy counsel, heed thy warning;
Trust us while we honor thee.

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER

'Tis splendid to live so grandly
That long after you are gone,
The things you did are remembered,
And recounted under the sun;
To live so bravely and purely,

That a nation stops on its way,

And once a year, with banner and drum, Keeps its thought of your natal day.

'Tis splendid to have a record,

So white and free from stain.

That, held to the light, it shows no blot, Though tested and tried amain;

That age to age forever

Repeats its story of love,

And your birthday lives in a nation's heart,
All other days above.

And this is Washington's glory,
A steadfast soul and true,
Who stood for his country's honor
When his country's days were few.
And now when its days are many,
And its flag of stars is flung
To the breeze in defiant challenge,
His name is on every tongue.

Yes, it's splendid to live so bravely,
To be so great and strong,
That your memory is ever a tocsin

To rally the foes of the wrong;

To live so proudly and purely

That your people pause in their way, And year by year, with banner and drum, Keep the thought of your natal day.