Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/369

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XI. In many a battle on the wandering wave

The sailors whom this shaft commemorates. Wrote high on Glory's record that the brave

Who fall for Freedom sleep at Freedom's gates ; That after life lived free, Life lost for Liberty Is God's most gracious gift that hath been or shall be.

XII. For Freedom ! aye ! For Freedom ! 'Twas this hope

That sent the steady, steel-tipped line of gray Fringed with hell's fires up the steep, slippery slope Of Gettysburg, on that most fateful day That found our pathway crossed By an outnumbering host; That witnessed high hopes flown ; that saw the dear Cause lost.

XIII. Unfaltering in their grave fidelity

Steadfast in purpose to the bitter end. They closed thin ranks, and set brave eyes to see

And dauntless hearts to bear what Fate should send ; Not looking vainly back Along the traversed track, But facing War's last blast, its hurricane, and wreck.

XIV. When came the bitter end, the bugle blew

Its last sad note, that brought the blinding tears Down wasted cheeks from eyes that only knew Honor and Death through all the weary years. The long, hard fight was done; Silenced was every gun ; And what we lost, e'en now they do not dream, who won.

XV. Let not the worth of any such be. weighed

By battles balance. They who glorified Their righteous cause and lived, and they who made The sacrifice supreme, in that they died To keep their country free, Alike gave men to see What hero-hearts were theirs who thus loved Liberty !

XVI. They did their duty in the leal fearless fashion

Of antique knighthood's flower, each man a knight, Careless if Death, divining peace from passion,

Whispering should greet them in the roar of fight, Or Life to ceaseless pain Should lead them forth again ; Knowing that duty done is never done in vain.