The despot's heel is on thy shore, Maryland! My Maryland! His torch is at thy temple door, Maryland! My Maryland! Avenge the patriotic gore That flecked the streets of Baltimore, And be the battle queen of yore, Maryland! My Maryland! Dear Mother! burst the tyrant's chain, Maryland! My Maryland! Virginia should not call in vain, Maryland! My Maryland! She meets her sisters on the plain- "Sic semper!" 'tis the proud refrain That baffles minions back amain, Maryland! My Maryland! I hear the distant thunder-hum, Maryland! My Maryland! The Old Line's bugle, fife, and drum, Maryland! My Maryland! She is not dead, nor deaf, nor dumb- Huzza! she spurns the Northern scum! She breathes! she burns! she'll come! she'll come! Maryland! My Maryland!