Written in the Prison of Fort Delaware, Del., on Hearing of the Surrender of General Lee.
Reading edition
By Jos. Blyth Alston.
"Stack Arms!" I've gladly heard the cry When, weary with the dusty tread Of marching troops, as night drew nigh, I sank upon my soldier bed, And camly slept; the starry dome Of heaven's blue arch my canopy, And mingled with my dreams of home, The thoughts of Peace and Liberty.
"Stack Arms!" I've heard it, when the shout Exulting, rang along our line, Of foes hurled back in bloody rout, Captured, dispersed; its tones divine Then came to mine enraptured ear. Guerdon of duty nobly done, And glistened on my cheek the tear Of grateful joy for victory won.
"Stack Arms!" In faltering accents, slow And sad, it creeps from tongue to tongue, A broken, murmuring wail of woe, From manly hearts by anguish wrung. Like victims of a midnight dream, We move, we know not how nor why, For life and hope but phantoms seem, And it would be relief--to die!