| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 440. Ashby |
| | | By John Randolph Thompson |
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| TO the brave all homage render; | |
| Weep, ye skies of June! | |
| With a radiance pure and tender, | |
| Shine, O saddened moon; | |
| “Dead upon the field of glory,” | 5 |
| Hero fit for song and story, | |
| Lies our bold dragoon. | |
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| Well they learned, whose hands have slain him, | |
| Braver, knightlier foe | |
| Never fought ’gainst Moor or Paynim— | 10 |
| Rode at Templestowe: | |
| With a mien how high and joyous, | |
| ’Gainst the hordes that would destroy us | |
| Went he forth, we know. | |
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| Nevermore, alas! shall sabre | 15 |
| Gleam around his crest; | |
| Fought his fight, fulfilled his labor, | |
| Stilled his manly breast; | |
| All unheard sweet nature’s cadence, | |
| Trump of fame and voice of maidens; | 20 |
| Now he takes his rest. | |
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| Earth, that all too soon hath bound him, | |
| Gently wrap his clay! | |
| Linger lovingly around him, | |
| Light of dying day! | 25 |
| Softly fall, ye summer showers; | |
| Birds and bees among the flowers | |
| Make the gloom seem gay. | |
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| Then, throughout the coming ages,— | |
| When his sword is rust, | 30 |
| And his deeds in classic pages— | |
| Mindful of her trust | |
| Shall Virginia, bending lowly, | |
| Still a ceaseless vigil holy | |
| Keep above his dust. | 35 |
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