Old Moultrie.
Reading edition
By Catherine Gendron Poyas, of Charleston.
All lovers of poetry will know in whose liquid gold I have dipped my brush to illumine the picture.
The splendor falls on bannered walls Of ancient Moultrie, great in story; And flushes now, his scar-seamed brow, With rays of golden glory! Great in his old renown; Great in the honor thrown Around him by the foe, Had sworn to lay him low!
The glory falls--historic walls Too weak to cover foes insulting, Become a tower--a sheltering bower-- A theme of joy exulting; God, merciful and great, Preserved the high estate Of Moultrie, by His power Through the fierce battle-hour!
The splendor fell--his banners swell Majestic forth to catch the shower; Our own loved blue receives anew A rich immortal dower! Adown the triple bars Of its companion, spars Of golden glory stream; On seven-rayed circlet beam!
The glory falls--but not on walls Of Sumter deemed the post of duty; A brilliant sphere, it circles clear The harbor in its beauty; Holding in its embrace The city's queenly grace; Stern battery and tower, Of manly strength and power,
But brightest falls on Moultrie's walls, Forever there to rest in glory, A hallowed light--on buttress height-- Oh, fort, beloved and hoary! Rest there and tell that faith Shall never suffer scaith; Rest there-and glow afar-- Hope's ever-burning star!
Charleston Mercury