4. the flag of Fort Sumter.
“We have humbled the Flag of the United States.” [Gov. Pickens.Our banner humbled!--when it flew
Above the band that fought so well,
And not, till hope's last ray withdrew,
Before the traitors' cannon fell!
No, Anderson! with loud acclaim
We hail thee hero of the hour
When circling batteries poured their flame
Against thy solitary tower.
Stood Lacedaemon then less proud,
When her three hundred heroes, slain,
No road but o'er their breasts allowed
To Xerxes and his servile train?
Or does New England blush to show
Yon hill, though victory crowned it not--
Though Warren fell before the foe,
And Putnam left the bloody spot?
The voices of earth's noblest fields
With the deep voice within unite--
'Tis not success true honor yields,
But faithful courage for the right.
Keep, then proud foe, the crumbled tower,
From those brave few by thousands torn,
But keep in silence, lest the hour
Should come for vengeance on your scorn.
Yet I could weep; for where ye stand,
In friendly converse have I stood,
And clasped, perchance, full many a hand,
Now armed to shed a brother's blood.
O, God of Justice! Smile once more
Upon our flag's victorious path;
And when a stern, short strife is o'er,
Bid mercy triumph over wrath!
Dorchester, April 20th, 1861.
--Rev. S. G. Bulfinch, in the Boston Transcript, April 24th.
