Cedar Mountain

By Annie Fields (1834–1915)

The battle of Cedar Mountain was fought in Virginia on August 9, 1862, the Confederates under Stonewall Jackson defeating part of Pope’s army under Banks.

RING the bells, nor ring them slowly;

Toll them not,—the day is holy!

Golden-flooded noon is poured

In grand libation to the Lord.

No mourning mothers come today

Whose hopeless eyes forget to pray;

They each hold high the o’erflowing urn,

And bravely to the altar turn.

Ye limners of the ancient saint!

To-day another virgin paint;

Where with the lily once she stood

Show now the new beatitude.

To-day a mother crowned with pain,

Of silver beauty beyond stain,

Clasping a flower for our land

A sheathèd in her hand.

Each pointed leaf with sword-like strength,

Guarding the flower throughout its length;

Each sword has won a sweet release

To the flower of beauty and of peace.

Ring the bells, nor ring them slowly,

To the Lord the day is holy;

To the young dead we consecrate

These lives that now we dedicate.

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