that ever shook the earth with its tread, and engaged in a holier cause than ever engaged soldiers before. What defenders, my countrymen, have we now? We have the remnant of this old, magnificent, matchless army, of which I have been speaking, and then as allies in any future war, we have the brave men who fought against us on Southern battlefields. The Army of Grant and the Army of Lee are together. They are one now in faith, in hope, in fraternity, in purpose, and in an invincible patriotism. And, therefore, the country is in no danger. In justice strong, in peace secure, and in devotion to the flag all one. HYMN FOR MEMORIAL DAY Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, S. C. BY HENRY TIMROD Sleep sweetly in your humble graves- In seeds of laurel in the earth The blossom of your fame is blown, Meanwhile, behalf the tardy years Which keep in trust your storied tombs, Small tributes; but your shades will smile Stoop, angels, hither from the skies! HEROES OF THE SOUTH From an Ode on the Valor and Sufferings of Confederate Soldiers BY PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Four deadly years we fought, Ringed by a girdle of unfaltering fire That coiled and hissed in lessening circles nigher. Blood dyed the Southern wave; From ocean border to calm inland river, There was no pause, no peace, no respite ever. Blood of our bravest brave Drenched in a scarlet rain the western lea, Swelled the hoarse waters of the Tennessee, Steamed in a mist of slaughter to the skies, Shutting all hope of heaven from mortal eyes. The Beaufort blooms were wither'd on the stem; The fair Gulf City in a single night Lost her imperial diadem; And wheresoe'er men's troubled vision roamed They viewed Might towering o'er the humbled crest of Right! But for a time, but for a time, O God! They dug their trenches deep (The implacable foe), they ranged their lines of wrath; But watchful ever on the imminent path Thy steel-clad genius stood; North, South, East, West,-they strove to pierce thy shield: Thou wouldst not yield! Until-unconquered, yea, unconquered still- Thy fainting limbs and forehead sought the ground; God's ways are marvelous; here we stand to-day On sterner deeds, or nobler victories won. Not in the field alone; ah, come with me Whose veins were royal. Close your blurred romance, That firm but delicate countenance, Borne in meek patience. When the trumpets rang As if the Death that chills him, brow and breast, Enough! 'tis over! the last gleam of hope Hath melted from our mournful horoscope- Our buried heroes and their matchless deeds. Rode in triumphant state The loftiest crest of fate; Oh, dearer far, because outcast and low, (Southern.) FROM "AN ODE IN TIME OF HESITATION "1 1900 ROBERT GOULD SHAW BY WILLIAM VAUGHN MOODY The wars we wage Are noble, and our battles still are won Crouched in the sea fog on the moaning sand 1By permission of the publishers, Houghton, Mifflin & Co. |