Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/368

 356 Southern Historical Society Papers.

V. Her cause was their's and Freedom's. For such cause

Men have died gladly since that ancient day When the Three Hundred gave a Myriad pause For Grecian freedom at Thermopylae ; These drew the Spartan sword ; These knew the Spartan word : '' With it, or on it !" These the Spartan spirit stirred.

VI. On the most glowing page of human story

Are writ in lines of light their deathless names. Our heritage is their eternal glory;

Their record of undying deeds is Fame's : The immemorial roll Of her resplendent scroll Their honor and their valor shall extol.

VII. O'er thai first field, made red with their first blood,

Rang through the tumult as a bugle-call His kingly voice, who royally bestowed

On Jackson's soldiers "standing like a wall " The battle-accolade, Knighting the great Brigade And him who at its head had drawn his sword and prayed.

VIII. Booted and spurred, his troopers riding ever

Ready for the fierce fray, entwined around His brows the laurel leaves that made forever

Thenceforth the name of Stuart glory-crowned : They followed where he led ; They conquered where he bled ; Gladly had each one died in the lost leader's stead.

IX. Can you not hear booming across- the years

The thunderous echoes of young Pelham's guns? There went to war than her red cannoneers

None higher-hearted of the South's true sons; Whatever else betide, Down the dim years they ride Who joyous rode to death as bridegroom to his bride.

X. Beyond the vast of time we can descry

In memory the white foam and the sweep Of the great Ram, Virginia; and on high

The Southern pennant fluttering o'er the deep ; And hear the sullen roar Of the grim guns she bore Proclaiming Freedom's fight from listening shore to shore.