ON THE EVE OF BUNKER HILL
Reading edition
The consequences of the battle of Bunker Hill were greater than those of any ordinary conflict. It was the first great battle of the Revolution, and not only the first blow, but the blow which determined the contest. When the sun of that day went down, the event of independence was no longer doubtful.
Webster.
June 16, 1775
'TWAS June on the face of the earth, June with the rose’s breath, When life is a gladsome thing, and a distant dream is death; There was gossip of birds in the air, and the lowing of herds by the wood, And a sunset gleam in the sky that the heart of a man holds good; Then the nun-like Twilight came, violet vestured and still, And the night’s first star outshone afar on the eve of Bunker Hill: There rang a cry through the camp, with its word upon rousing word; There was never a faltering foot in the ranks of those that heard. Lads from the Hampshire hills and the rich Connecticut vales, Sons of the old Bay Colony, from its shores and its inland dales; Swiftly they fell in line; no fear could their valor chill; Ah, brave the show as they ranged a-row on the eve of Bunker Hill. Then a deep voice lifted a prayer to God of the brave and the true And the heads of the men were bare in the gathering dusk and dew; The heads of a thousand men were bowed as the pleading rose,— Smite Thou, Lord, as of old Thou smotest Thy people’s foes! Oh, nerve Thy Servants’ arms to work with a mighty will! A hush, and then a loud Amen! on the eve of Bunker Hill! Now they are gone through the night with never a thought of fame, Gone to the field of a fight that shall win them deathless name; Some shall never again behold the set of the sun, But lie like the Concord slain, and the slain of Lexington, Martyrs to Freedom’s cause. Ah, how at their deeds we thrill, The men whose might made strong the height on the eve of Bunker Hill.
Clinton Scollard.