James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
August 16The Battle of Bennington
By William Cullen Bryant (17941878)
O
The calm sweet rays of summer rest,
And dove-like peace divinely broods
On its smooth lawns and solemn woods.
The storm of battle o’er it broke;
And ere the invader turned and fled,
These pleasant fields were strown with dead.
And Warner’s mountain band were there;
And Allen, who had flung the pen
Aside to lead the Berkshire men.
They rushed upon the embattled foe,
And swept his squadrons from the vale,
Like leaves before the autumn gale.
Of combat blot these fields again,
Nor this fair valley ever cease
To wear the placid smile of peace.
Will plight the vow that ere we yield
The right for which our fathers bled,
Our blood shall steep the ground we tread.
Of those who fought for freedom here,
And guard the heritage they won
While these green hillsides feel the sun.