Note 8 — Chapter II
Reading edition
The presentation of this banner by the Moravian Nuns of Bethlehem forms the text of the poem by Longfellow beginning—
When the dying flame of day Through the chancel shot its ray, Far the glimmering tapers shed Faint light on the cowled head; And the censer burning swung Where, before the altar, hung The crimson banner, that with prayer Had been consecrated there. And the nuns' sweet hymn was heard the while, Sung low in the dint, mysterious aisle, "Take thy banner! may it wave Proudly o'er the good and brave; When the battle's distant wail Breaks the Sabbath of our vale, When the cannon's music thrills To the hearts of those lone hills. When the spear in conflict shakes, And the strong lance shivering breaks. "Take thy banner! and if e'er Thou should'st press the soldier's bier And the muffled drum shall beat To the tread of mournful feet, Then the crimson flag shall be Martial cloak and shroud for thee." The warrior took that banner proud, And it was his martial cloak and shroud.