Bravest of all in Frederick town,
She took up the flag the men haul'd down;
In her attic-window the staff she set,
To show that one heart was loyal yet.
Up the street came the rebel tread,
Stonewall Jackson riding ahead.
Under his slouch'd hat left and right
He glanced: the old flag met his sight.
"Halt!"—the dust-brown ranks stood fast
"Fire!"—out blazed the rifle-blast.
It shiver'd the window, pane and sash;
It rent the banner with seam and gash.
Quick, as it fell, from the broken staff
Dame Barbara snatch'd the silken scarf;
She lean'd far out on the window-sill,
And shook it forth with a royal will.
"Shoot, if you must, this old grey head,
But spare your country's flag!" she said.
A shade of sadness, a blush of shame,
Over the face of the leader came;