Page:Minutes of the Immortal Six Hundred Society 1910.djvu/32

Rh Comrade Bedford presented the following poem:

The sun had dropped into the distant west, The cannon ceased to roar, which tells of rest, Rest from the shedding of a nation's blood, Rest to lay their comrades 'neath the sod. 'Twas early spring, and calm and still the night, The moon had risen casting softest light. On either side of hill the armies lay Waiting till morn and then renew the fray. So near together a sound was heard by all, Each could hear the other's sentry call. The bivouac fires burned brightly on each hill, And, save the tramp of pickets, all was still; The Rappahannock silently flows on Between the hills, so fair to look upon, Whose dancing waters tinged with silvery light, Vie in their beauty with the starry night. But list! from northern hill these steals along The sweetest strains of music and of song, The "Starry Banner," our nation's glorious air, Which tells to all of gallant flag "still there." Then "Hail Columbia" a thousand voices sing With all their soul, which makes the hilltops ring. From fire to fire, from tent to tent there flew The welcome words, "Lads, the 'Boys in Blue.'" And well they sang, each heart was filled with joy, From first in rank to little drummer boy. Then loud huzzahs and wildest cheers were given, Which seemed to cleave the air and reach to heaven. The lusty cheering reached the Southern ear, Men who courted danger, knew no fear, Whilst taking of their scanty evening meal, And each did grasp his trusty blade of steel. Those very strains of music, which of yore Did fire the blood, are felt by them no more. How strange! what now they scorn and taunt and jeer Was once to them as sacred, just as dear. And when the faintest echo seemed to die, The last huzzah been wafted to the sky, The boys in blue had lain them down to rest,