| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 939. A Prophecy |
| | | (From “Lincoln’s Grave”) |
| | | By Maurice Thompson |
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| OLD soldiers true, ah, them all men can trust, | |
| Who fought, with conscience clear, on either side; | |
| Who bearded Death and thought their cause was just; | |
| Their stainless honor cannot be denied; | |
| All patriots they beyond the farthest doubt; | 5 |
| Ring it and sing it up and down the land, | |
| And let no voice dare answer it with sneers, | |
| Or shut its meaning out; | |
| Ring it and sing it, we go hand in hand, | |
| Old infantry, old cavalry, old cannoneers. | 10 |
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| And if Virginia’s vales shall ring again | |
| To battle-yell of Moseby or Mahone, | |
| If Wilder’s wild brigade or Morgan’s men | |
| Once more wheel into line; or all alone | |
| A Sheridan shall ride, a Cleburne fall,— | 15 |
| There will not be two flags above them flying, | |
| But both in one, welded in that pure flame | |
| Upflaring in us all, | |
| When kindred unto kindred, loudly crying, | |
| Rally and cheer in freedom’s holy name! | 20 |
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