Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-02-27
POETRY.
For the Spectator.
Last Words of Jackson.

FOR the spectator.
Last Words of Jackson.
Lines suggested by the last words of JACKSON -
Let as pass ocer the rirea and rest in the shade
Of the trees"
There was silence profound, in that chamber of
DEATH
- Where our hero was peacefully lying,
No sound broke the sti1lness-not even sigh
Escaped from the lips of the dying.
0, sad were our hearts as we gathered around
As we gazed on the wound, deep and CORY +.
While we thought of the blow that had stricken
him down
From the height of his fame and his glory.
How strange was the fate that had hurried him
hence
From his home in his own quiet Valley
To raise our proud standard the battle cry sound,
Where thousands of Southrons w8tld rally.
Aye, call it not fate twas the hand of the Lord
That had pointed the pathway before him;
He followed His guidance-he turned not aside,
And daily he knelt to adore Him.
How oft in the contest we saw~that firm hand,
Upraised in the heat of the battle,
Imploring blessing, while calmly he stood,
Nor needed the musketry rattle.
We feared not to follow where er he might lead,
Though death and its terrors were frowning,
We watched our loved Chieftain, still leading us
Where victory ever was crowning.
AS he shouts, "men, prepare for the action"
To the frOnt-tO the front" is his last battle cry,
Fen in DEATH shone the spirit of JACKSON.
And our leader must die-in camp, tent and field,
There is weeping-aye, bitterest SORROW
Grief, fear and despair, oft mingled with prayer,
For strength on the coming tomorrow.
But death had no terrors to rouse his calm soul,
Nor EARTH, with her tender attractions,
Could dim his rapt vision, his faith looked beyond
world gloomy distractions
When told he must die, he but calmly replied,
ITO depart from this strife is far better"
ITO be with my Savior is infinite gain
No ties his pure spirit could fetter
For moment, his eye lighted up as of old,
When told, in the late stormy action,
His own loved brigade had entered the fight
With "Charge! and remember our JACKSON y
Now he quietly sleeps, yet we linger around
To catch the faint notes of his breathing,
His lips are just mOving-list list! for he speaks,
Sea- smile his pale forehead is wreathing.
Let us pass DER the river and rest in the shade
He whispers-we know not his meaning,
Then scars his pure spirit, SO gentle its fight,
1t wakes not the sleeper from dreaming.
He has passed ''oer the river" he ''rests in the
shade
Of the trees" on the banks of the Jordan,
Earths cares and its sorrows remembers no more,
Nor thinks of lifes wearisome burden.
Can we doubt that the crown, which to victors
alone
Is promised to him has been given,
well DONE faithful servant his welcome will
be,
Come enter the mansions of Heaven"
But alas for our country, alas for our cause,
The arm, which all seemed depending,
Is powerless now-and agony deep
The heart of the nation is rending.
But fear not nor faint on the face of the Lord
Deep frowns we may sometimes discover.
His smile may not rest on our dear country
cause
But er Israel His blessing will hover.
The name of our JACKSON will live in our hearts,
VIII sparkle on hstorys pages,
His deeds and his virtues forever shall shine,
Down through the long vista of ages.
RosEMoNT. META.