Nathan Hale

I can see him pale and slender, playing by his father’s door,

I can see him off for college with that manly smile he wore,

Where he quaffed the cup of knowledge filled with freedom, truth and right,

Where he caught the burning spirit which aroused men with its might.

I behold him now a teacher of the young and tender mind,

Winning love of child and parent by his deeds and manners kind.

A companion of the pupil, of the aged none the less,

Idolized by every woman for his grace and comeliness.

Here he lived as guide and teacher, while the Revolution flame

Was as yet but dark and smold’ring, and himself unknown to fame.

Here he strolled along the river when the daily toil was o’er,

Growing strong in mind and body for the future’s fateful store.

I behold him off to battle now a comely youth and strong,

Filled with love of home and country, filled with hate of Britain’s wrong;

Now a Captain of the “Rangers”, fearless, dashing, “Congress’s Own”,

Teaching men by bold example, bringing gloom to Britain’s throne.

I behold him in the harbor on that well remembered night

With the British sloop in captive and the hungry men’s delight

As they seized the rich provisions, sweeter to a marked degree

Just because they were intended for their common enemy.

I can see him passing later through the British lines of steel;

Ever keen, alert, courageous, winning friends by acts genteel;

Then betrayal, and the capture, and the gloom which spread afar

When ‘twas known the daring “Ranger” was a prisoner of war.

I behold now Rutger’s Orchard on that morning red with crime,

When they led him forth unflinchingly at Howe’s appointed time.

O the God of war that morning must have dropped a silent tear

When they burned before his vision messages to kindred dear.

But I see his eyes turn skyward with a look of triumph there,

While his lips for one brief moment moved as if in silent prayer;

Then those burning words immortal, bringing shame to England’s crown:

“I regret that for my country I’ve but one life to lay down!”

May 18, 1900