The Cotton-Burners' Hymn.
Reading edition
"On yesterday, all the cotton in Memphis, and throughout the country, was burned. Probably not less than 300,000 bales have been burned in the last three days, in West Tennessee and North Mississippi."--Memphis Appeal.
I.
Lo! where Mississippi rolls Oceanward its stream, Upward mounting, folds on folds, Flaming fire-tongues gleam; 'Tis the planters' grand oblation On the altar of the nation; 'Tis a willing sacrifice-- Let the golden incense rise-- Pile the Cotton to the skies! CHORUS--Lo! the sacrificial flame Gilds the starry dome of night! Nations! read the mute acclaim-- 'Tis for liberty we fight! Homes! Religion! Right!
II.
Never such a golden light Lit the vaulted sky; Never sacrifice as bright, Rose to God on high: Thousands oxen, what were they To the offering we pay? And the brilliant holocaust-- When the revolution's past-- In the nation's songs will last! CHORUS-Lo! the sacrificial flame, etc.
III.
Though the night be dark above, Broken though the shield-- Those who love us, those we love, Bid us never yield: Never! though our bravest bleed, And the vultures on them feed; Never! though the Serpents' race-- Hissing hate and vile disgrace-- By the million should menace! CHORUS-Lo! the sacrificial flame, etc.
IV.
Pile the Cotton to the skies; Lo! the Northmen gaze; England! see our sacrifice-- See the Cotton blaze! God of nations! now to Thee, Southrons bend th' imploring knee; 'Tis our country's hour of need-- Hear the mothers intercede-- Hear the little children plead! CHORUS-Lo! the sacrificial flame, etc.