Analysis of America Speaks

“For what avail or plough, or sail,
        Or land, or life, if freedom fail?”

We have been sleeping—dreaming.    Now,
   Thank God! we are awake!
Awake, and ready with a will
   The nobler part to take!
No more shall a pretended Peace
   Our souls from duty several
We dedicate our lives to God
   And Liberty—forever!

We, who have looked with anguished eyes
   On things no eye should see,
Beholding all that may be wrought
   By ruthless Tyranny,
Join hands with you, devoted Lands
   A liberated Nation
That wills to share your sacrifice,
   That knows your exaltation!

A lofty voice has spoken words
   That bring the world relief;
Our Land has joined the league of Right,
   Led onward by her Chief—
Her Chief who large has writ his name
   With Lincoln’s in the story
Of that dear land which still may call
   The flag she loves, “Old Glory!”