AT FREDERICKSBURG.
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AT FREDERICKSBURG.—DEC. 13, 1862.
GOD send us peace, and keep red strife away;
But should it come, God send us men and steel!
The land is dead that dare not face the day
When foreign danger threats the common weal.
Defenders strong are they that homes defend;
From ready arms the spoiler keeps afar.
Well blest the country that has sons to lend
From trades of peace to learn the trade of war.
Thrice blest the nation that has every son
A soldier, ready for the warning sound;
Who marches homeward when the tight is done,
To swing the hammer and to till the ground.
Call back that morning, with its lurid light.
When through our land the awful war-bell tolled;
