Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By John EstenCooke861 The Band in the Pines
O
Cease with your splendid call;
The living are brave and noble,
But the dead are bravest of all!
To the loud triumphant strain,
And the dear bright eyes of long-dead friends
Come to the heart again!
And the deep drums’ mellow roar;
Till the soul is faint with longing
For the hands we clasp no more!
Or the heart will melt with tears,
For the gallant eyes and the smiling lips,
And the voices of old years.