DIXIE. [The original of this popular Southern song, of which there were many variations during the war, is believed to be a Northern melody—an old negro refrain, dating back to the time when slavery existed in New York; a certain Mr. Dixy, or Dixie, owning large tracts of land on Manhattan Island, and many slaves, among whom the estate was known as “ Dixie's Land.”] SOUTHRONS, hear your country call you ! To arms! To arms! To arms, in Dixie ! Hurrah ! hurrah! To arms! To arms! To arms! To arms ! To arms! To arms! To arnis ! To arnis! How the South's great heart rejoices To arms / To arms / To arms! To arms! To arms! To arms! To arms! To arms! To arms! Hurrah? hurrah ! For Dixie's land we take our stand, To arms! To arms! To arms! To arms! ALBERT PIKE. THE NINETEENTH OF APRIL. [Boston, 1861.] This year, till late in April, the snow fell thick and light; Thy truce-flag, friendly Nature, in clinging drifts of white Hung over field and city; now everywhere is seen, In place of that white quietness, a sudden glow of green. The verdure climbs the Common, beneath the leaf less trees, To where the glorious Stars and Stripes are floating on the breeze. There, suddenly as Spring awoke from Winter's snow-draped gloom, The passion-flower of Seventy-six is bursting into bloom. Dear is the time of roses, when earth to joy is wed, And garden-plat and meadow wear one generous flush of red ; But now in dearer beauty, to her ancient colors true, Blooms the old town of Boston in red and white and blue. Along the whole awakening North are those bright emblems spread ; A summer noon of patriotism is burning overhead; No party badges flaunting now, no word of clique or clan; But“ Up for God and Union !" is the shout of every man, Oh, peace is dear to Northern hearts; our hard earned homes more dear; But freedom is beyond the price of any earthly cheer; And freedom's flag is sacred : he who would work it harm, Let him, although a brother, beware our strong right arm ! A brother! ah, the sorrow, the anguish of that word! The fratricidal strife begun, when will its end be heard ? Not this the boon that patriots' hearts have prayed and waited for ; We loved them, and we longed for peace: but they would have it war. Yes, war! on this memorial day, the day of Lex ington, A lightning-thrill along the wires from heart to heart has run. Brave men we gazed on yesterday, to-day for us have bled : Again is Massachusetts blood the first for freedom shed. To war, and with our brethren, then, if only this can be! Life hangs as nothing in the scale against dear Liberty! Though hearts be torn asunder, for freedom we will fight : Our blood may seal the victory, but God will shield the right! LUCY LARCOM. THE STRIPES AND THE STARS. O STAR-SPANGLED BANNER! the flag of our pride! Though trampled by traitors and basely defied, Fling out to the glad winds your red, white, and blue, For the heart of the Northland is beating for you! And her strong arm is nerving to strike with a will, Till the foe and his boastings are humbled and still! Here's welcome to wounding and combat and scars And the glory of death—for the Stripes and the Stars! From prairie, O ploughman! speed boldly awayThere's seed to be sown in God's furrows to-day! Row landward, lone fisher ! stout woodman, come home! Let smith leave his anvil and weaver his loom, And hamlet and city ring loud with the cry: “For God and our country we'll fight till we die ! Here's welcome to wounding and combat and scars And the glory of death-for the Stripes and the Stars!” Invincible banner! the flag of the free, Oh, where treads the foot that would falter for thee? Or the hands to be folded, till triumph is won And the eagle looks proud, as of old, to the sun ? Give tears for the parting--a murmur of prayerThen forward! the fame of our standard to share ! |