Have fallen on our brightest noon;
And millions bow, and sadly weep
That brother-love has failed so soon.
But shadows pass, and clouds dissolve
In silvery mists before the sun--
And thus in Freedom's high resolve
Shall cloudless skies once more be won.
Bright emblem of the mighty Past!
Bedewed all through a night of tears!
Whose crimson-price our fathers cast
With faith and prayer adown the years!
Untarnished on the page of time,
And purer in to-morrow's beam,
Thy stars shall be a speech sublime
Of peace, and love, and joy supreme.
Then let the starry banner wave!
Let songs o'er all the nation ring!
To hail the flag that freemen gave--
A costly, bright, and sacred thing!
Till stars shall crowd upon the field,
Undimmed with aught of error's night;
Whose bliss shall be the truth revealed,
That Freedom is Eternal Right.
--N. Y. Christian Intelligencer, May 16.
