When breathless in the mart the couriers met,
Early and late, at evening and at prime,
When the loud cannon or the merry chime
Hail’d news on news, as field was lost or won;
When hope, long doubtful, soared at length sublime,
And weary eyes awoke as day begun
Saw peace’s broad banner rise to meet the rising sun.
—Scott.
The first gun of our Civil War was fired, and its report was heard throughout the civilized world!
“Oh, Abel! Oh, Abel!” moaned Mrs. Force, still pale with emotion.