Classic Poem

I SAW them in their snowy robes, with wreaths of evergreen
Around each youthful brow intwined, a rare and lovely scene;
While o'er their heads the flaming arch reminded of the throne,
With glorious rainbow round about, where Jesus sits alone.
Around, above, festooned or free, our country's flag appeared,
And brilliant flowers and garlands green the vision sweetly cheered.
I saw it all, a fairy scene! I heard the organ's swell;
And silvery voices sounded forth, clear as a chiming bell.
I heard the song of praise to Him who sits enthroned on high,
And thought the children looked as if but just from yonder sky.
" The Dear Old Flag " I heard them sing, and saw their banners wave,
While suddenly our ensign dropped above the fair and brave;
And while from many an eye the tear unbidden started there,
Quick from my spirit bounded forth the utterance of prayer.

" O God! preserve our country in this her trial-time,
And bid the bell of Liberty ring out its loudest chime,
Till North and South and East and West in righteousness agree,
And morning's sun and evening's stars shine only on the free.
Then will our flag, now truly loved, be dearer than before,
And, in its beauty, wave above a glad and peaceful shore. "
The evening sped, the music ceased, the children passed away;
But in full many a listener's heart the echoes sweet will stay,
And many a fervent prayer ascend, that to each child be given
A place amid the angel-choirs that sing the songs of heaven.