Classic Poem

A MIDST the countryside near Lexington,
Beyond the ranges of his duty's courses
And the high haltings of a hero's grave,
Lee found the sacred shrines of Nature's heart.
Far into Old Virginia's hills and vales
Daily he rode upon his battle-horse,
Traveler, his heart's beloved " Confederate Gray " ;
Traveler, his one associate and delight;
Together they had passed war's crimson years;
Together they had felt the victor's joy;
Together they had sorrowed midst defeat;
And 'twixt them there was mutual sympathy.
The Mighty Captain's word and motion roused.
Instant response of equine energy.
And through the after days of peace the twain
Were separated not. Affection deep
Each gave the other. So they daily roved,
Rider and horse, among Virginia's hills,
Enjoying sweet and mystic confidence.
Who shall deny the Great Gray General's claim, —
His two companions, God and Traveler?

God met them truly as they daily roamed —
Master and servant — filling Nature's lips
With sacred carollings and holy rhythms
Of bird-notes, rivulets, and little children
Across the yellow jasmines and the red-buds,
The orange trees perfuming all the woods,
The roadside gardens and their pleasing bowers
Of bright azaleas and japonicas.
From Nature's heart the lilt and luster flowed,
And Beauty's song was on the lips of morning.

God ever meets him who would meet with God,
And moves beside him up ascension ways.
Oh what a comradeship of spirit with spirit,
While all the radiant forms of earth and sky
Watch marvelling to do sweet reverence
Unto a happy God and happy man!
Whenever God and man thus meet and move,
The flaming swords at Eden's gates are sheathed;
Stern Cherubim turn smiling servitors;
The winds of ancient chill are living breaths
Warmed by the fervors of all-glowing love;
The long-hushed birds of Paradise begin
Anew their olden joyous melodies;
Glad voices call, and round the Tree of Life
Bright angels swing fruited beatitudes
For tasting and for seeing God is good.

'Twas somehow thus Virginia's landscape changed
With moods and movements of the mighty Chief,
And light and love followed the vision new
And new communions, such as they possess
Who mount the sky out of great sorrowings
Knowing the sweetness of a soul's redemption.