Ode to McDonogh

By Myrrah Font (December 29, 1898)

Edited by G. Leighton Ciravolo (May 5, 2000)

I.

O wake the trumpet of renown

Far-echoing a hero's name;

O bring the shining laurel crown

That marks the glow of honored fame.

McDonogh, let the trumpet sound,

And with the laurels twine his brow;

Extol him with your voices now;

Praise to him, all praise to him!

II.

He sought not paths where glory shone,

Nor dreamed of fame in southern lore;

Twin cities claim him for their own -

Our Gretna and fair Baltimore.

He gave his wealth to educate;

He lived that end to consummate;

His mem'ry shall perpetuate;

Praise to him, all praise to him!

III.

McDonogh, unto thee we rear

A monument of fairest art,

In mem'ry of thy high career

Enshrined within each grateful heart.

Now ready hands your offerings bring;

Now youthful tongues laudations sing;

Now the heavens with echoes ring

Praise to him, all praise to him!