UP! UP! LET THE STARS OF OUR BANNER.

BY M. F. BIGNEY.

Respectfully dedicated to the Soldiers of the South.

Up! up! Let the stars of our banner
Flash out like the brilliants above!
Beneath them we’ll shield from dishonor
The homes and the dear ones we love.
With “God and our Right!”
Our cry in the fight,
We’ll drive the invader afar,
And we’ll carve out a name
In the temple of Fame
With the weapons of glorious war.
Arise with an earnest endeavor—
A nation shall hallow the deed;
The foe must be silenced forever,
Though millions in battle may bleed.
With “God and our Right!” etc.
Strong arms and a conquerless spirit
We bring as our glory and guard:
If courage a triumph can merit,
Then Freedom shall be our reward.
With “God and our Right!” etc.
Beneath the high sanction of Heaven,
We’ll fight as our forefathers fought;
Then pray that to us may be given
Such guerdon as fell to their lot.
With “God and our Right!” etc.

THE SOLDIER BOY.

BY H. M. L.

I give my soldier boy a blade,
In fair Damascus fashioned well;
Who first the glittering falchion swayed,
Who first beneath its fury fell,
I know not: but I hope to know
That for no mean or hireling trade,
To guard no feeling, base or low,
I give my soldier boy a blade.
Cool, calm, and clear, the lucid flood,
In which its tempering work was done;
As calm, as clear, as clear of mood
Be thou whene’er it sees the sun;
For country’s claim, at honor’s call,
For outraged friend, insulted maid,
At mercy’s voice to bid it fall,
I give my soldier boy a blade.
The eye which marked its peerless edge,
The hand that weighed its balanced poise,
Anvil and pincers, forge and wedge,
Are gone with all their flame and noise;
And still the gleaming sword remains.
So when in dust I low am laid,
Remember by these heartfelt strains,
I give my soldier boy a blade.
Lynchburg, Va., May 18, 1861.