Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 20.djvu/301

 Unve'ding of the Roivitzer Monument. 295

leaves of promise trampled like a rebel in the dust, and still not to doubt, not to despair, is faith. In the vast mysteriousness which throws its deep but tender shadow across our way faith fears not. The very darkness is a lamp. On the face of the deep is felt a foot- hold from an unknown world, and the countenance is kindled by a sun which is not seen.

A STATUE OF THE SOUL'S STRENGTH.

There is a ritual which the inarticulate communion of all natural things repeats the languages of the leaf and flower; the sweet blos- som of spring and the sweeter sorrow of the falling year; the patient returning of the stars; the looks of living and the tears of silent things ; the uproar of city and of sea ; the gentleness around the clamor, seeming anger of the universe, the sweetness above its storms. We dedicate to-day a statue of the soul and the soul's strength. Kneeling souls requite it with their homage. It is our chapter in the last book of the Iliad of Chivalry. It is our hero on whose tranquil face is graved " the light of duty beautifully done." As we draw aside the veil of the martial form and bared brow of duty, let us also unveil the voice which says: "The very light shall clothe thee, and the shadow of the passing cloud shall be as a royal mantle. Thou shalt share in the azure of Heaven, and the youngest and whitest cloud of a summer's sky shall nestle in thy bosom. Thou belongest half to us."

At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. Robinson was liberally applauded, and just before he resumed his seat a number of the vete- rans arose and heartily congratulated him upon his splendid effort.

Judge Christain then extended an invitation to all the old mem- bers of the battalion to be present at the banquet, after which Bishop Randolph, who occupied a seat upon the stage, dismissed the audience with the benediction.

MARCH TO THE GROUNDS. The Veteran and Military Display Unveiling Scene.

Immediately upon leaving the Theatre the various organizations commenced forming in line preparatory to the march to " Howitzer Place," and a large crowd assembled on Broad street to see the