Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/361

 Our Heroic Dead. 351

That Glory sits by the side of Grief, Yes, they grow "taller" as the years pass by And the World learns how they could do and die. A Nation respects them. The East and West, The far-off slope of the Golden Coast, The stricken South and the North agree That the heroes who died for you and me — Each valiant man, in his own degree, Whether he fell on the shore or sea. Did deeds of which This Land, though rich In histories may boast, •

And the Sage's Book and the Poet's Lay Are full of the deeds of the Men in Gray. No lion cleft from the rock is ours,

Such as Lucerne displays. Our only wealth is in tears and flowers,

And words of reverend praise. And the Roses brought to this silent Yard

Are Red and White. Behold ! They tell how wars for a kingly crown, In the blood of England's best writ down. Left Britain a story whose moral old Is fit to be graven in text of gold :

The moral is, that when battles cease The ramparts smile in the blooms of peace. And flowers to-day were hither brought From the gallant men who against us fought ; York and Lancaster! — Gray and Blue! Each to itself and the other true! —

And so I say

Our Men in Gray Have left to the South and North a tale Which none of the glories of Earth can pale.

Norfolk has names in the sleeping host

Which fill us with mournful pride —

Taylor and Newton, we well may boast,

McPhail, and Walke, and Selden, too.

Brave as the bravest, as truest true !

And Grandy struck down ere his May became June,

A battle-flag folded away too soon.

And Williams, than whom not a man stood higher

'Mid the host of heroes baptized in fire.

And Mallory, wliose sires aforetime died.

When Freedom and Danger stood side by side.

Mcintosh, too, with his boarders slain,