THIRTY-SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS
THIS RECORD OF A COMMON EXPERIENCE
IS
AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.
Ah, never shall the land forget
How gushed the life-blood of her brave,—
Gushed, warm with hope and courage yet,—
Upon the soil they sought to save.
Now all is calm, and fresh, and still;
Alone the chirp of flitting bird,
And talk of children on the hill,
And bell of wand'ring kine, are heard.
No solemn host goes trailing by,
The black-mouthed gun and stag'ring wain;
Men start not at the battle-cry;
Oh, be it never heard again!
—William Cullen Bryant.