It bled red, yet it was not a part of their blood; it approached them very late,

with ancient debts to make good, when the Patriot began to wake.

They were not easily pushed or moved. They were frigid… Willing to wait…

Until every number should be proved, ere the Patriot began to wake.

Their voices were even and low; their eyes were level and straight.

There was neither warning nor show that the Patriot had begun to wake.

It was not taught to the crowd; It was not mandated by the state.

Few men dared to speak it aloud, but most all men thought: Has the Patriot begun to wake?

It was not ignited by pride; it was lit by ambition and fate.

Tell me, is it not justified that the Patriot begins to wake?

It was not swiftly bred; it will not suddenly abate,

through the glorious years ahead, when Time, itself, shall count from the date

That the Patriot began to wake!