Henry Van Dyke

The Name of France

Give us a name to fill the mind 
With the shining thoughts that lead mankind, 
The glory of learning, the joy of art, -- 
A name that tells of a splendid part 
In the long, long toil and the strenuous fight 
Of the human race to win its way 
From the feudal darkness into the day 
Of Freedom, Brotherhood, Equal Right, -- 
A name like a star, a name of light. 
I give you France! 

Give us a name to move the heart 
With a warmer glow and a swifter flood, -- 
A name like the sound of a trumpet, clear, 
And silver-sweet, and iron-strong, 
That calls three million men to their feet, 
Ready to march, and steady to meet 
The foes who threaten that name with wrong, -- 
A name that rings like a battle-song. 
I give you France! 

Give us a name to move the heart 
With the strength that noble griefs impart, 
A name that speaks of the blood outpoured 
To save minkind from the sway of the sword, -- 
A name that calls on the world to share 
In the burden of sacrificial strife 
Where the cause at stake is the world’s free life 
Andthe rule of the people everywhere, -- 
A name like a vow, a name like a prayer. 
I give you France!