3. half-mast: in memory of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, killed at the battle of Wilson's Creek, August 16, 1861.
by F. G. C.
Unfurl our flag half-mast to-day,In sorrow, 'mid the clang of war;
Each crimson stripe is turned to gray,
To black each azure star.
The drooping breeze scarce stirs a fold;
The birds complain with fettered breath;
The clouds hang sullenly and cold,
For lo! a hero's death.
[4] From far Missouri's prairie plain
The echo of his battle-cry
Sounds and recedes, and sounds again,
His life-earned victory.
Oh, Lyon! on thy martial bier
The tears of grateful millions flow,
And Treason well may shrink, and fear
Its fated overthrow.
For wheresoe'er thy comrades stand
To face the traitors, as of yore,
Thy prescient spirit shall command
And lead the charge once more.
Then fling our flag mast-high to-day,
Triumphant 'mid the clang of war;
And death to him who shall betray
One single stripe or star!
