Sacrifice.
Reading edition
I.
Another victim for the sacrifice! Oh! my own mother South, How terrible this wail above thy youth, Dying at the cannon's mouth,-- And for no crime--no vice-- No scheme of selfish greed--no avarice, Or insolent ambition, seeking power;--. But that, with resolute soul and will sublime, They made their proud election to be free,-- To leave a grand inheritance to time, And to their sons and race, of liberty!
II.
Oh! widow'd woman, sitting in thy weeds, With thy young brood around thee, sad and lone, Thy fancy sees thy hero where he bleeds, And still thou hear'st his moan! Dying he calls on thee--again--again! With blessing and fond memories. Be of cheer; He has not died--he did not bless--in vain: For, in the eternal rounds of GOD, HE squares The account with sorrowing hearts; and soothes the fears, And leads the orphans home, and dries the widow's tears.
Charleston Mercury.