It shivered the window, pane and sash; It rent the banner with seam and gash.30
Quick, as it fell, from the broken staff Dame Barbara snatched the silken scarf.
She leaned far out on the window-sill, And shook it forth with a royal will.
'Shoot, if you must, this old gray head,35 But spare your country's flag,' she said.
A shade of sadness, a blush of shame, Over the face of the leader came;
The nobler nature within him stirred To life at that woman's deed and word;40
'Who touches a hair of yon gray head Dies like a dog! March on!' he said.
All day long through Frederick street Sounded the tread of marching feet:
All day long that free flag tost45 Over the heads of the rebel host.
Ever its torn folds rose and fell On the loyal winds that loved it well;