Page:Pieces People Ask For.djvu/223

Rh Man, remembering how yon sleeper
 * Once he held upon his knee,

Ere she loved the gallant soldier,
 * Ralph Vervair of Tennessee.

Still the south wind fondly lingers
 * 'Mid the veteran's silver hair;

Still the bondman close beside him
 * Stands behind the old arm-chair,

With his dark-hued hand uplifted,
 * Shading eyes, he bends to see

Where the woodland, boldly jutting,
 * Turns aside the Tennessee.

Thus he watches cloud-born shadows
 * Glide from tree to mountain crest,

Softly creeping, aye and ever
 * To the river's yielding breast.

Ha! above the foliage yonder
 * Something flutters wild and free!

"Massa! Massa! Hallelujah!
 * The flag's come back to Tennessee!"

"Pompey, hold me on your shoulder;
 * Help me stand on foot once more,

That I may salute the colors
 * As they pass my cabin door.

Here's the paper signed that frees you;
 * Give a freeman's shout with me—

'God and Union' be our watchword
 * Evermore in Tennessee!"

Then the trembling voice grew fainter,
 * And the limbs refused to stand;

One prayer to Jesus—and the soldier
 * Glided to the better land.

When the flag went down the river,
 * Man and master both were free;

While the ring-dove's note was mingled
 * With the rippling Tennessee.

E. L. Beers.