The Poetry Corner

Western Refrain

By George Pope Morris

Droop not, brothers! As we go, O'er the mountains, Under the boughs of mistletoe, Log huts we'll rear, While herds of deer and buffalo Furnish the cheer. File o'er the mountains--steady, boys For game afar We have our rifles ready, boys!-- Aha! Throw care to the winds, Like chaff, boys!--ha! And join in the laugh, boys!-- Hah--hah--hah! Cheer up, brothers! As we go, O'er the mountains, When we've wood and prairie-land, Won by our toil, We'll reign like kings in fairy-land, Lords of the soil! Then westward ho! in legions, boys-- Fair Freedom's star Points to her sunset regions, boys-- Aha! Throw care to the winds, Like chaff, boys!--ha! And join in the laugh, boys!-- Hah--hah--hah!