Joseph Rodman Drake

thumb|right|Joseph Rodman Drake Joseph Rodman Drake (August 17, 1795 – September 21, 1820) was an early American poet. Quotes When Freedom from her mountain-heights  Unfurled her standard to the air,She tore the azure robe of night,  And set the stars of glory there.She mingled with its gorgeous dyesThe milky baldric of the skies,And striped its pure, celestial whiteWith streakings of the morning light.Flag of the free heart’s hope and home!  By angel hands to valour given!Thy stars have lit the welkin dome,  And all thy hues were born in heaven.Forever float that standard sheet!  Where breathes the foe, but falls before us,With Freedom’s soil beneath our feet,  And Freedom’s banner streaming o'er us? "The American Flag", in The Culprit Fay and Other Poems (1835), published posthumously by Drake's daughter. External links Joseph_Rodman_Drake Joseph Rodman Drake Category:Poets from the United States Category:1795 births Category:1820 deaths Category:People from New York City Category:19th-century poets from the United States