Lexington weekly intelligencer., 1881-01-29
For the Benefit of Chivalry.

Bright eyes, brass buttons. palpttattng hearts
and responsive glancas 60 to make up scene
OF chivalry and love. especially when snlivsned
by the diyine aflatus of the gods-music mosl
sweet. Out of her abundance Of beauty. manli'
ness and musical talent. such . feast was vOuch-
ssfed, by Lexington. at the opera house. last
Friday night to Capt. Wilson's Guards.
The evening WAS pleasant. though cold, and
the house was crowded from parquet to gallery
with an appreciative audience.
Promptly ct the hour announced the curtain
rose, and the picked men OF the company ap-
peared for the drill. These were Capt. 10. A.
Wilson. In command, Lieutenants +. &. Tut
and John n. Bayliss, sergeants Morrison,
DulIng and Ahrsns, Messrs. LoOniss Morrison,
Vaughan. Patrick Smith, Hsathman
AuIl, Easter, Burris. MoCsuslsnd, Jas. Hall
and Fisher. Fer half hour Capt. Wilson put
his men rapidly through the manual of arms,
and as many maneuvers as the size fthe stage
would permit. The training of the men is
good, and they did credit to their officers. The
drill was very much enjoyed by the audience.
At its conclusion arms were stacked at the
rear OF the stage, and guard posted at sach ens
Of the line so that the military character of the
occasion was ut no time lost sight of.
The drill was followed by the recitation Of A
J. Hall, Esq. which was rendered earnestly
and impressivsly. The suggestive selection was
O'Hara's,
THE BfvoUAo OF The DEAD.
The mufied drums sad roll has beat
The soldiers last tsttoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet
That brave and fxllen few.
On Fame's eternal camplng-groand
Their silent tents are spread.
And glory guards. with solemn round.
The bivouac of the dead.
No rumor Of the foe's advance
No troubled thought at midnight haunts
Ofloved ones left behind;
No vision Of the morrow's strife
The warriors dream alarms;
No braying horn or screaming dfo
Atdswn shall call to arms.
Their shivered swords are red with rust;
Their plumed heads are bowed
Their naughty banner. trailed in dust.
Is now their martial shroud;
And plenteous iuneral-tears have washed
The red stains from each brow;
And the proud forms. by battle Gsshsd,
Arc free from anguish now.
The neighIng troop. the flashing blade.
The bugle's stirring blast.
The charge. the dsadiul csnnonads.
The din and shout. are past.
Not wars wild note. nor glory's peal.
Shall thrill with fierce delight
Thsse.breasts that nevermore may feel
The rapture OF the dgnt.
Like the fierce northern hurricane
That sweeps is.great plateau.
Flushed with the triumph yet to Esin.
Comes down the serried foe.
VIII card the thunder Of the fray
BfOkk o'er the Held beneath,
Knew well the watchword of that day
Was "Victory or death ~
Full many . mothers breath has swept
O'er Angostura,s plain.
And long the pitying sky has wept
Above Its moldered slain
The raven g scream, or eagles flight.
Or Shepherds pensive lay.
Alone now wakes each solemn height
That frowned DER that dread fray.
Sons OF the Dark and Bloody Ground,
Ye must not slumber there,
Where stranger-steps and tongues reSound
Along the needless air
Your own proud lands hersic soil
Shall be yoar filter grave:
She, claims from War Its richest spoils-
The ashes OF her brave.
Thus, meath their parent turf they rest,
Far from the CORY field,
Borne to Spartan mothers breast
On many bloody shield.
The sunshine Of their native sky
Smiles sadly on them here,
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by
The hetoes' sepulcher.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead
Dear ~ the blood ye gave;
No impious footsteps here shall tread
The heritage Of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
Or honor points the hallowed spot