The Washington times., 1901-12-24
PHANTOMS OF GUNSTON HALL.
Christmas Night stanzns PenciIed
by Gifted Robert W. Wright.

Christmas Night stanzns PenciIed
by GIFTED Robert W. Wright.
To the Editor of The Times:
Gunston Hall. the picturesque old man
sion which stands on commanding Po-
tomac River site adjacent to Mount Ver-
non, is uuquestionably second only TO
that famous place in the history OF
America. Both are interviewer with the
stirring events of colonial times, which
must ever remain dear to the memories OF
all true Americans.
Gunston Hall was built nearly 200 years
ago by that great statesman. George Ma
/ son. author of Virginia's first constitu-
tion, also her "Blll of Rights'-the mag
ma charta OF American freedom. He gave
for the Old Dominion's great seal the
motto: sic Semper Tyrannis." He was
one Of the chief trainers of this nations
/ Constitution, and by some historians has
been declared 'the wisest man Of his
generation"
Washington Lafayette, Franklin, De-
Kalb, Jefferson. Patrick Henry. Madison.
Adams, and hosts OF other patriots were
wont to assemble at this hospitable home
for consultation upon matters Of state.
Yuletidc and other social events were
mere also observed in a style beftting
StSson's means and tastes.
With times changes alien owners Of
Guuston have successfully come and gone.
To one family of these-his relatives-the
late Hon. Robert W. Wright. NJ. c.. of
Connecticut. paid a Christmas visit years
ago. He was assigned to a stately guest
chamber of this grand old Virginia house.
The next morning. at the breakfast table,
he presented his niece and hostess. Mrs
Daniels, the stanZas which follow. The
lines were inspired by his surroundings.
and were peuciled upon the fy-leaves of
a volume taken from the carved oaken
mantel in his room.
Judge Wright was one of New England's
most gifted literary men. His classical
satire, "The Old South Church: or. a
Vision of Judgment together with other
brilliant productions in both prose and
verse, are well known.
These lines. l believe, have never ap-
reared in print. W.NT.
Washington. December %. 1901.
GUNSTON HALL
satc in Cunston Hall;
Grim shadows on the wall
Around me pressed,
As memories OF past
Came crowding thick and fast,
And 20 the mind. ut last.
Their theme add esscd.
Back from a shadowy land
They marched a noble band,
\ stalwart race,
saw them come and go
As If they thought 10 show
Their patriot grandeur 10
My heart apsce.
From h5or 20 ceiling high
And ancient panel nigh.
Their faces showed;
= marked them. one and all,
Majestic. great and tall
A. from the cOruiCet wall
These phantoms strobe.
Then hall and mansion vide
They filed on every side.
With visions grand.
While, at the outer gate,
Ranged carriages of state.
With spectral ,tCc'is 20 mate
The shadowy band.
saw the yule-Icc blaze,
As III colonial days,
As this old hal!
with beauty flashing high.
And elllluts througing nigh.
A. when some love-lit eve
Holds man M thrall.
Tic, seemed 10 grow apace
Like old Antcnor's race.
OF Trojan fame;
Or men OF lofty tatc.
ON whom the good and great
Bestowed their utmost weight
ut honorcd name
Then prouder forms were seen,
Of more mljc.tir mitu.
Those grand old knights.
Whose srcs az RUun' medc
Stocked England with breed
uf men who made lings heed
Their subjects rights.
Tlcir spectral grandeur showed
IN cvery step they strodc
Through ancient hall;
lnd women held their place.
supreme in every grace
With which the Gothic race
invests them all.
Each captive husband WED
with sweetheart by his side
To own her sway.
Who. prl.ticed less th0 art
To Niu, than keep heart
Th1t once to Cupids dart
Had fallen prey.
Willie wives with lovers str,ve
To keep the torch of love
In constant flame.
That like sweet pmphaic.
They might retain their sway,
And vet their lords obey
BY Tghttul claim
Thus passed the shadowy throng.
In misty groups along.
Aud fancy played.
Or pictured. one by one
These spectral scenes upon
Nv miHd.-as night wore on
With deepening shade
And as my cyelids fell.
'rhey grew more palpablc-
These spectres grand.
That still in Gunston Hall
Hold nightly carnival
As fancy wields withal.
Her cOniurer's wand.
ROBERT ". WRIGHT.
Xmas night. 1882.