A MARINE’S HYMN

  From the Halls of Montezuma,
    To the shores of Tripoli,
  We fight our country’s battles
    On the land as on the sea. 
  First to fight for right and freedom
    And to keep our honor clean,
  We are proud to claim the title
    Of United States Marine.

  From the Pest Hole of Cavite
    To the ditch at Panama,
  You will find them very needy
    Of Marines—­that’s what we are;
  We’re watch dogs of a pile of coal
    Or we dig a magazine,
  Tho’ he lends a hand at every job,
    Who would not be a Marine?

  Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze
    From dawn to setting sun,
  We have fought in every clime or place
    Where we could take a gun;
  In the snow of far off northern lands
    And in sunny tropic scenes,
  You will find us always on the job—­
    The United States Marines.

  Here’s health to you and to our corps
    Which we are proud to serve,
  In many a strife we have fought for life
    And never lost our nerve;
  If the army and the navy
    Ever look on heaven’s scenes,
  They will find the streets are guarded by
    The United States Marines.

HERE’S TO THE SIXTEENTH!

  (A toast by an officer at San Antonio banquet.)

  Here’s to the “Sixteenth Cavalry,”
    A “Colt” that has just been foaled;
  Bred with no “Past,”—­but a Future,
    Which Training and Time will unfold.

  This “Colt,” with his milk-teeth gives promise
    Of growing to be some fine horse,
  And if we give him “right raising,”
    Be sure that he’ll “come across.”

  Our “Colt” is as “sound” and as “quiet”
    As any old horse you will see,
  And, as for his “fit conformation,”—­
    That’s just as fine as can be.

  Here’s hoping that he gets good “grooming,”
    Good “grazing’”—­good “stable”—­good “stall;”
  So when they sound “Boots and Saddles,”
    The “Colt” can answer their call.

  Here’s hoping that he gets good “forage,”
    Well “watered”—­with “all-fours” well cleaned;
  And not have to patrol the hot Border,—­
    At least,—­until he is “weaned.”

  We’ll swear by this “Colt,” who is “hoof-marked”
    With the “16th Cavalry” brand;
  And we’ll warrant when he “cuts his molars,”
    He’ll be as good as the best in the land.

  We’ll see that he gets fearless riders,
    Who are “kindly” and know every “aid;”
  So if ever a battle is brewing,
    He’ll go to the “Charge” unafraid.

  He’ll compare with all Cavalry horses,
    No “I.  C.” marks for his neck;
  Instead, upon his new brow-band
    Resetted Blue Ribbons bedeck.

  No matter the “sire,” no matter the “dam,”
    His “strain” is “pure-blood”—­tho “unregistered” yet;
  He’ll “run in the money,”—­when put to the test,
    To “win in the stretch,”—­on that you can bet.