Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 41.djvu/13

 Southern Historical Society Papers. New Series. Richmond, Va., Sept., 1916. Volume III. THE SOUTH By FATHER RYAN.

Yes, give me the land Where the ruins are spread, And the living tread light On the heart of the dead; Yes, give me the land That is blest by the dust, And bright with the deeds Of the down trodden just. Yes, give me the land Where the battle's red blast Has flashed on the future The form of the past; Yes, give me the land That has legends and lays That tell of the memories Of long-vanished days. Yes, give me the land That hath story and song To tell of the strife Of the right with the wrong ; Yes, give me the land With a grave in each spot And the names in the graves That shall not be forgot.