Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1865-10-06
THE SOLDIER BROTHERS.
Inscribed to the Sister of the "SoLpIER BROTHERS
by X. l.. s., Danville, KY, April 10, 1866.

In the quiet Of the Valley
On the banks of vernnl green,
Where New England's greatest river
Rolls its wave the hills between,
Lived two brothers, brave and youthful
Unseduced DER earth to roam,
Sharing each the JOY and gladuess
Which then biest their happy home;
Father, mother, brother, sister,
Loving each and loving ALL,
Made, with them, the iircs,de circle,
Which they hoped nought should bc(all.
In the years bright, vernal season,
In the spring time of their life,
Loud the Nations call Of duty
To the battle and the strife,
Heard these brave and youthful brothers;
Quickly to the field they Co.
Prompted by the love Of country,
Bosoms barring to the foe;---
lis time of foul rebellion
Treason stalks throughout the lsnd;-
This to crush the youthful warriors
Eager join the patriot band
Strong go forth brave John and Charlie
To the battle and the strife
Bearing each fathers blessing,
Risking each noble life.
Followed from that loving household
BY mothers earnest prayers,
BY brothers true affection,
BY sisters silent tears,
Go they forth thus bcst and strengthened
For the cause OF truth and right,
Holy angels watching DER them
Strong in Gods eternal might
Not to lead well-trained battalions-
Not to WELD high command,
But to bear the brunt of battle,
In the serried files to stand.
Was the mission of these warriors:
Cheap that zeal which strikes no blow
Poor that patriotic fervor
Spent in breath, while others show
Deeds Of val1r in drilled columns
Deeds heroic, sealed in blood,
Deeds which earned immortal glory
Through an offering made to God
Far apart, these soldier brothers
Have their lot by Gods behest--
In the Grand Potomac Army
In the Army of the West
Sharing each its checkcred fortunes,
Now encAmped-now on the field,
in bivouac, march, and fierce pitched battle
Where their blood, brave thousands yield
For months and years these youthful heroes
10 their country, offer all,
Life, hope, friends, prompt surrender,
Hearing only duty's call
Now again the verna season
Comes with all its glorious train;
Nature decked in beauteous garlands
But hark! The roar Of deafening cannon
From the banks of the Rapidan,
Ger Rappahnnnock's rushing waters
Where patriots meet the rebel clan
Hot the tide Of battle races--
Day by day and night by night;
Fierccst fight of all the ages!
Patriots strike for truth und right!
Now the plains of Spottsylvanie,
From the fields of Wilderness
Bear ;he rolling wave Of battle!
Thousands here make now the Offering
OF their life Here Johns life. blood
Spottsy ylvania's soil enriches,
And his soul ascends to God
Gallant soldier! Millions bless thee!
Thy country thou did'st fall TO save!
Charley, by disease as deadly,
Thou, too, hast an honored grave!
Who could say that dear home-circle
Neer again should meet on earth,
Meier again these youthful warriors
Tread the valley Of their birth.
Noble offering for their country
Nobly made they of their life,
When at first its call of duty
Summoned to the field of strife;
Father, mother brother, sister,
Truly gave them then to God,
On the Nations holy altar
Hoping yet he'd spare the rod!
But no! the mournful notes of sorrow,
Caused by foul rebellion's crimes,
Break npOn that broken household
In the solemn funeral chimes
Then adorn that quiet valley,
Raise the marble, pure and high,
Telling that these sleeping heroes
Fought and fell-but cannot de!
While father, mother, brother, sister,
Mourning still their loved and slain,
In rebeiiOn's rapid crumbling
See they did not fall in vain