The voice now cautions me to listen well,
And in harmonious tones with lightning speed
This story he narrates for me to tell,
And thus I write it down that all may read.
XV
“That fatal morn, when Richmond felt secure,
With many more I ran to yonder hill
To watch the burning ship, all feeling sure
That nothing round could do us harm or ill.
XVI
“And why should aught around fill us with fears
Did we not know: The flag that braves the breeze
On land and sea for full one thousand years,
Flew o’er our city still and o’er our seas?
XVII
“The scene was bright and beautiful and grand,
With florid streamers shooting far on high,
And none who viewed the scene from sea or land
Were cognizant they were so soon to die.
XVIII
“Whose was the fault is not for me to tell.—
The Judge of All shall surely justice mete
To those who prematurely rang our knell
When they are come to His just judgement seat.