Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/200

 Southern Historical Society Papers.

THE TWO ARMIES.

By HENRY TIMROD.

Two armies stand enrolled beneath The banner with the starry wreath ; One facing battle, blight and blast, Through twice a hundred fields has passed ; Its deeds against a rufifian foe, Stream, valley, hill and mountain know ; Till every wind that sweeps the land Goes glory laden, from the strand.

The other, with a narrower scope. Yet led by not less grander hope. Hath won perhaps, as proud a place. And wears its fame with meeker grace, Wives march beneath its glittering sign, Fond mothers swell the lovely line ; And many a sweetheart hides her blush, In the young patriot's generous flush.

No breeze of battle ever fanned

The colors of that tender band ;

Its office is beside the bed.

Where throbs some sick or wounded head ;

It does not court the soldiers' tomb.

But plies the needle and the loom,

And by a thousand peaceful deeds.

Supplies a struggling nations's needs.

Nor is that army's gentle might

Unfelt amid the deadly fight ;

It nerves the son's, the husband's hand.