The writings of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume 3.
John Greenleaf Whittier, Ed.

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[264]
     Along green hillsides, sown with shot and shell,
Through vales once choked with war.
     The low reveille of their battle-drum
Disturbs no morning prayer;
     With deeper peace in summer noons their hum
Fills all the drowsy air.

And Samson's riddle is our own to-day,
     Of sweetness from the strong,
Of union, peace, and freedom plucked away
     From the rent jaws of wrong.
From Treason's death we draw a purer life,
     As, from the beast he slew,
A sweetness sweeter for his bitter strife
     The old-time athlete drew!

1868.