Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/221

 The Monument to General Robert E, Lee. 213

As Saul, bound for Damascus fair, Was struck blind by sudden light, So my eyes are pained and dazzled By a radiance pure and white Shot back by the burnished armor Of that glory belted Knight.

His was all the Norman*s polish And sobriety of grace ; All the Goth's majestic figure : All the Roman's noble face : And he stood the tall exemplar Of a grand historic race.

Baronial were his acres where Potomac's waters run ; High his lineage, and his blazon Was by cunning heralds done ; But better still he might have said Of his "works " he was the " son."

Truth walked beside him always From his childhood's early years, Honor followed as his shadow — Valor lightened all his cares ; And he rode — that grand Virginian — Last of all the Cavaliers !

As a soldier we all knew him Great in action and repose. Saw how his genius kindled And his mighty spirit rose When the four quarters of the globe Encompassed him with foes.

But he and his grew braver As the danger grew more rife. Avaricious they of glory But most prodigal of life, And the "Army of Virginia," Was the Atlas of the strife.

As his troubles gathered round him, Thick as waves that beat the shore Atra Cura rode behind him — Famine's shadow filled his door ; Still he wrought deeds no mortal man Had ever wrought before.