98 JULY 21, 1861. So shall the spotless King with whom ye ride JULY 21ST, 1861. BY A. L. HE dawn in Virginia came forth in its beauty, THE The stars glimmered softly, then faded away; And many a soldier rose up to his duty, To fight for the Union and Freedom that day. The morning wind stirs - like some far-off loved fingers The plumes of the chieftains with flickering breath; How fairly the columns step out in their order, Their bayonets gleam in the dim dusky light; Their music plays "Dixie," and "Over the Bor der," Down the long dusty road as they march to the fight. JULY 21, 1861. 99 How soft on yon hill-side the young trees are wav ing, How peaceful the fields lie in summer's display ; O soldiers! you know not the perils you're braving! O leaders, be wary! look well to the way! Those iron-wrought guns that lie hid in the distance, Those batteries planted to check our hot haste, More tender their mercies, more kind their resist ance, Than that of the Rebels by whom they are placed! Brave enemies they; though stern-hearted you'll find them, Their open-mouthed vengeance is honestly sped; But cowards and savages lurk there behind them, Who sabre the dying and mangle the dead. Alas for the South! was her fame all unfounded? Her praises are royal, — believe them who list; But her brave soldiers aim at the fallen and wounded, And the "chivalry" strike—those who cannot resist! Let History tell for her words will not quiver, Her eyes will see clearly, her heart will be still 100 JULY 21, 1861. The tale of that once all unknown little river Let History tell with what brave, eager daring won. Let her say they retreated; then add, they were fainting With hunger and thirst and the strife of a day; And point to the number dropped down in deep slumber, On their arms and the greensward to rest by the way! How silent, how dreamless a sleep hath descended On yonder red field where their friends are at rest! Unguarded they lie, — undisturbed, undefended, Only Honor keeps watch by each low-lying crest. The fitful night-wind sighs its wild lamentation, The soft-falling dew drops cold tears on their bed; But heavy and hot will the tears of the Nation Pour down at the feet of her Volunteer dead! TO MEN OF THE NORTH AND WEST. 101 Tramp, tramp, through the darkness, with "Steady! men, steady!" In stillness and sadness the columns pass by; Driven back from the trenches, in which they were ready To give their young life-blood, and conquer or die. O morning! O daylight! in glory awaking, How can ye come forth after such a black night? And with the full burst of the sunbeams outbreak ing Look down on the tokens of death and of flight! The morning turned gray and then thicker and faster The rain with its driving mist sullenly came: TO THE MEN OF THE NORTH AND WEST. BY R. H. STODDARD. EN of the North and West, MEN Wake in your might, Prepare, as the Rebels have done, For the fight! 102 TO MEN OF THE NORTH AND WEST. You cannot shrink from the test, They have torn down your banner of stars; Do you love it or slavery best? They strike at the life of the State: - They cry, "We are two!" And you ? "We are one!" You must meet them, then, breast to breast; Not with words; they laugh them to scorn, But with swords in your hands, and death Strike home! leave to God all the rest, Strike! Men of the North and West! |