Calendar of Events
Genealogy
School Programs
Exhibits
Membership
Adult Classes
Collections Database
Gift Shop

A Battle Hymn for Ellsworth's Zuaves

To be sung to “Bruce’s Address to his Army”

Who is this ye say is slain?

Whose voice answers not again?

Ellsworth, shall we call in vain

            On thy name to-day?

No!  from every vale and hill

One response all hearts shall thrill:

“Ellsworth’s fame is with us still,

            Ne’er to pass away!”

Bring that rebel banner low,

Hoisted by a treacherous foe:

‘Twas for that they dealt the blow,

            Laid him in the dust.

Raise aloft, that all may see,

His loved flag of liberty.

Forward, then, to victory,

            Or perish if we must!

Hark to what Columbia saith:

“Mourn not for his early death;

With each patriot’s dying breath

            Strength renewed is given

To the cause of truth and right,

To the land for which they fight.

After darkness cometh light,

            Such the law of Heaven.”

So we name him not in vain,

Though he comes not back again!

For his country he was slain;

            Ellsworth’s blood shall rise

To our gracious Saviour-King—

‘Tis a holy gift we bring;

Such a sacred offering

            God will not despise.

                                    - Harper’s Weekly, June 8, 1861, p. 357

Back to Ellsworth page.