142. Colonel Ellsworth.
by Capt. Sam. Whiting.
[Dedicated to the New York Fire Zouaves.] Columbia bends in sadness now,Above her gallant soldier's grave;
Laurel and cypress deck the brow
Of the dead Zouave-so young, so brave.
Cut down in manhood's brightest bloom--
Of his dear friends the hope and pride--
He sleeps within an honored tomb,
Who for his country bravely died.
Not yet in vain such heroes fall;
Their memory lives in every breast,
While streams of glory gild their pall,
And beautify their place of rest.
Oh! gallant Zouave, 'twas thy proud deed
To tear the rebel banner down;
Thy country gives thee fitting meed--
A soldier's grave, a hero's crown.
Brave Fire Zouaves! your leader's name
Is left you for a battle-cry;
Let Ellsworth's pure and spotless fame
Lead you to conquer or to die.
Strike bravely when the rebel rag
Shall meet your eyes on Southern plain!
Strike! till Columbia's starry flag
O'er this whole land shall wave again.
When you shall meet the traitor band
Which seeks our Union to o'erthrow,
Strike boldly for our glorious land,
And call on God to nerve the blow!
Keep your dead Colonel e'er in view,
Wherever in this war you roam,
And let this shout your zeal renew:
“Remember Ellsworth! Zouaves, strike home I”
Hempstead, June 5, 1861.
--Idem.
