Low our banner drooped--and fell. Back he spurs, mid shot and shell--
All was gone,
But he waves it high--and then, on--we sweep them from the glen--
But he ne'er rode back again.
Ah, I smiled to see him go. How my cheek with pride did glow!
All is gone--
All, of pride or hope, for me--but that evening, hopefully
Stood I at the gate with thee,
Sister, when at twilight gray marched our soldiers back this way--
All is gone--
In the woods rang many a cheer--how we smiled! I did not fear
Till--at last was borne a bier.
Sweetest sister, dost thou weep? Hush! he only fell asleep--
All is gone--
And'twere better he had died--free, whatever us betide--
Our galling chains untried.
We were leaning on the gate. Dost remember, it grew late--
All is gone--
Yet I see the stars so pale--see the shadows down the vale--
Hear the whip-poor-will's far wail,
As if all were in a dream. Through yon pines the moon did gleam--
All is gone--
On that banner-pall of death--on that red sword without sheath--
And--I knew who lay beneath.
Did I speak? I thought I said, let me look upon your dead--
All is gone---
Was I cold? I did not weep. Tears are spray from founts not deep--
My heart lies in frozen sleep.
Sister, pray for me. Thine eyes gleam like God's own midnight skies--
All is gone--
Tuneless are my spirit's chords. I but look up, like the birds,
And trust Christ to say the words.
Bowing Her Head.
Her head is bowed downwards; so pensive her air,
As she looks on the ground with her pale, solemn face,
It were hard to decide whether faith or despair,
Whether anguish or trust, in her heart holds a place.
Her hair was all gold in the sun's joyous light,
Her brow was as smooth as the soft, placid sea:
But the furrows of care came with shadows of night,
And the gold silvered pale when the light left the lea.