SOUTHERN POEMS OF TIE WAR.
"THE SOUTHERN CROSS."
BY ST. GEORGE TUCKER, VA.
Oh! say can you see, through the gloon and the storm,
More bright for the darkness, that pure constellation?
Like the symbol of love and redemption its form,
As it points to the haven of hope for the nation.
How radiant each star, as the beacon afar,
Giving promise of peace, or assurance in war!
'Tis the Cross of the South, which shall ever remain
To light us to freedom and glory again!
How peaceful and blest was America's soil
'Till betrayed by the guile of the Puritan demon,
Which lurks under Virtue and springs from its coil
To fasten its fangs in the life-blood of freemen.
Then boldly appeal to each heart that can feel,
And crush the foul viper 'neath Liberty's heel !
And the Cross of the South shall in triumph remain
To light us to freedom and glory again!
'Tis the emblem of peace, 'tis the day-star of hope,
Like the sacred Labarum that guided the Roman;
From the shore of the Gulf to the Delaware's slope,
Tis the trust of tho free and the terror of foemen.
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