When first the sun o'er ocean glow'd And earth unveil'd her virgin breast Supreme mid nature's vast abode Was heard the Almighty's dread behest: Rise, Columbia! Columbia, brave and free Poise the globe and bound the sea! In vain shall thrones In arms combined The sacred rights I gave, oppose; In Thee, the asylum of mankind Shall welcome nations find repose Rise, Columbia! Columbia, brave and free Poise the globe and bound the sea! When bolts the flame Or whelms the wave Be thine to rule the wayward hour: Bid death unbar the watery grave And Vulcan yield to Neptune's pow'r Rise, Columbia! Columbia, brave and free Bless the globe and bound the sea! Revered in arms, in peace humane: No shore nor realm shall bound thy sway While all the virtues own thy reign And all the elements obey! Rise, Columbia! Columbia, brave and free Bless the globe, and bound the sea! Rise, Columbia! Columbia, brave and free Bless the globe, and rule the sea! Oh, bless the globe, and rule the sea!