CCCXLVI. THE BLACK REGIMENT; OR, THE SECOND LOUISIANA AT THE STORMING OF PORT HUDSON. DARK as the clouds of even, Ꭰ Ranked in the western heaven, Waiting the breath that lifts Arm to arm, knee to knee Down the long dusky line Bristling and firmly set, Flashed with a purpose grand, "Now," the flag-sergeant cried, Free in this land; or bound Down like the whining hound "Charge!" Trump and drum awoke; Onward the bondmen broke; Bayonet and sabre stroke Vainly opposed their rush. Through the wild battle's crush, Down they tear, man and horse, "Freedom!" their battle-cry Not a mere party shout; Rolled in triumphant blood, This was what "Freedom" lent To the Black Regiment. Hundreds on hundreds fell; G. H. Boker. CCCXLVII. FORWARD! GOD, to the human soul, And all the spheres that roll, Wrapped by his Spirit in their robes of light, Is forward! Progress is your law The despots of the earth, your right.” Since Freedom had her birth, Have to their subject nations said, "Stand still; Comes down the freezing air, And stiffens all things with its deadly chill. Would snap the chain that binds all things to him; All peoples would divide, And scatter even the choirs of seraphim. God, all the orbs that roll, One source of light and life—his radiant throne. All races would he bind, Till every man in man a brother own. Tyrants with tyrants league, To strangle infant Liberty conspire. Let self-devoted men Gather, and keep unquenched her vital fire. When Tyranny, grown bold, To Freedom's host cries, "Hold! Ye towards her temple at your peril march; "Stop," that great host replies, Raising to heaven its eyes, "Stop, first, the host that moves across yon arch!" When Tyranny commands, "Hold thou my victim's hands, While I more firmly rivet on his chains, Or with my bowie-knife I'll take your craven life, Or show my streets bespattered with your brains, " Freedom with forward tread, And drawing from its sheath her flashing glave, Calmly makes answer: "Dare Touch of my head one hair, I'll cut the cord that holds your every slave!” J. Pierpont. |