About the polls the freedmen drew, + 

To vote the freemen down; + 

And merrily their caps up-flew + 

As Grant rode through the town. + 

From votes to staves they next did turn, + 

And beat the freemen down; + 

Full bravely did their valour burn + 

As Grant rode through the town. + 

Then staves for muskets they forsook, + 

And shot the freemen down; + 

Right royally their banners shook + 

As Grant rode through the town. + 

Hail, final triumph of our cause! + 

Hail, chief of mute renown! + 

Grim Magistrate of Silent Laws, + 

A-riding freedom down! + 