Then the trembling voice grew fainter,
And the limbs refused to stand;
One prayer to Jesus—and the soldier
Glided to that better land.
When the flag went down the river
Man and master both were free,
While the ringdove's note was mingled
With the rippling Tennessee.
E. L. Beers.
CCCXXIX.
A BATTLE-SONG FOR FREEDOM.
Men of action! men of might!
Stern defenders of the right!
Are you girded for the fight?
Have you marked and trenched the ground,
Where the din of arms must sound,
Ere the victor can be crowned?
Have you guarded well the coast?
Have you marshalled all your host?
Standeth each man at his post?
Have you counted up the cost?
What is gained and what is lost,
When the foe your lines have crost?
Gained—the infamy of fame.
Gained—a dastard's spotted name.
Gained—eternity of shame.
Lost—desert of manly youth.
Lost—the right you had by birth.
Lost—lost!—freedom for the earth.
Freemen, up! The foe is nearing!
Haughty banners high uprearing—
Lo, their serried ranks appearing!