Classic Poem

THE SAGE OF LEXINGTON

P RELUDE

Lo, it rests among the hills,
Old Virginia's Lexington.
What romantic glory fills
History's every guerdon won!
How its fields of green and gold
Nature's fantasies unfold!

Here lived Southern Gentlemen;
Here dwelt Ladies of high grace;
Here proud youth, with sword and pen,
Trained for duty's call and place.
Thus the story and the song
The illustrious past prolong.

Stonewall Jackson gave it fame;
Now he lies beneath its sod.
Here the Mighty Captain came,
Wrought and died a Prince with God.
Lee and Jackson! They are crown
Great enough for any town.

Towns there are that tell of war.
This is one that speaks of peace.
Only once a crimson star
Smote its quiet years' increase.
But its skies of hope were blue;
Faith was strong, and love was true.

Towns there are that tell of marts.
This is one that speaks of lore, —
Science, Beauty's finer arts,
Wisdom's riches, Culture's store,
Generous Halls of Imagery
Named for Washington and Lee.

Lo, it rests among the hills,
History's favored Lexington,
While remembrance sweetly thrills
Old Virginia's every son.
Thus it flings immortal gleams
Through the Old Dominion's dreams.