Classic Poem

What weaponry of war could not achieve
'Mid fiercest battle flame, the natural seed
Of mortal flesh accomplished, setting free
The immortal spirit by the imperious force
That makes Death captive to o'erwhelming Life.
'Twas liberty to range the Morning Stars,
'Twas union with the shining Sabaoth
And centuried saints before the throne of God.

He, earth's first strategist, in one swift flash
Beheld the strategy Heaven's Captaincy
Uses to conquer Death, to save a soul,
And work the far compulsion of His purpose.

What sweetness, light, and faultless harmony
Broke on Lee's consecrated being, ere
The closest, tenderest watcher could perceive
Departure, as his great victorious soul
Rode in delirious moment out of sight
On fancied Traveler into wheeling mists
Of White Battalions waiting his ascent
To side of Stonewall Jackson!
So he passed,
The South's high Captain and her patriot Sage,
Having through fire and tempest wrought God's Will
Because he loved God's Will; leaving no trail
But such as brightens all the vales of faith,
And kindles all the hills of reverence.

So was he Earth's and Heaven's Gray Cavalier,
Bringing to be what never might have been
Without his chivalry and sacrifice, —
The South's redemption and the Nation's hope.