Classic Poem

Where Rappahannock's waters roll
Adown Virginia's wasted plain,
Where seaward dash its troubled waves
To mingle with the angry main,
Brave Sedgwick with his gallant corps,
His war-bronzed corps of valiant men,
Marched proudly o'er the blood-stained way,
To meet the sturdy foe again.
" Charge for the guns, boys! charge! " he cried:
" Charge for your homes, your firesides free!
Charge for your country's life and pride!
Charge for the boon of liberty! "
Then, dashing on, through shot and shell,
They nobly fought, or nobly fell.

First to storm the frowning earthworks,
Rushed the Sixth and Seventh Maine;
While the whizzing balls and bullets
Showered down like autumn rain,
On firm hands that trembled never,
On true hearts that would not quail;
There was no weak arm to shudder,
No false voice to whisper " Fail. "
Twice they charged in quick succession,
Twice, through galling murderous fire,
Twice repulsed, both horse and footman
Sought again the conflict dire;
Till, every leader lying slain,
Alone they raised the flag again.

And gathering 'neath its shining folds,
They said, while smiled its cheering stars,
" Boys, let us charge again, and hold
The works without our officers
We'll bravely on, nor halt, nor turn;
What though we fall? we triumph still,
For every drop of blood we shed
Shall raise a host our ranks to fill.
On, then! on, o'er the crimson field!
On! on! through the blood of the slain!
On! on! and the battlements gain
Heaven shall catch a gladsome strain;
For joining we will send on high,
To God, our praise for victory. "

Then on they sped, while cannons raged,
And belched their fury o'er their way,
Till on the works their banners waved
Through battle-smoke that dimmed the day.
O Rappahannock! gently roll
Your moaning billows to the sea;
And ever let your murmured dirge
Rise upward for the fallen free;
For those who, filled with holy zeal,
With love of country half divine,
Gave all their cherished hopes and joys,
As offerings for their country's shrine.
Then gently, river, roll your waves;
Your banks are lined with sacred graves.