Classic Poem

RICHMOND TO CHANCELLORSVILLE P RELUDE

Those battle days are ended;
Some call their story stale;
But time has well befriended
The light behind the veil —
The spirit and its flaming
On Duty's altar framing
Faith's destiny whose sign inspires
Past war's provincial fires.

The world will ever cherish,
Despite epochal grief,
What time forbids to perish,
The truth beneath belief —
The spirit and its burning
On Duty's altar turning
To Love's will working recompense
For war's supreme offence.