Classic Poetry


The Dying Words Of Stonewall Jackson

by Sidney Lanier


"Order A. P. Hill to prepare for battle."
"Tell Major Hawks to advance the Commissary train."
"Let us cross the river and rest in the shade."



The stars of Night contain the glittering Day
And rain his glory down with sweeter grace
Upon the dark World's grand, enchanted face --
All loth to turn away.

And so the Day, about to yield his breath,
Utters the stars unto the listening Night,
To stand for burning fare-thee-wells of light
Said on the verge of death.

O hero-life that lit us like the sun!
O hero-words that glittered like the stars
And stood and shone above the gloomy wars
When the hero-life was done!

The phantoms of a battle came to dwell
I' the fitful vision of his dying eyes --
Yet even in battle-dreams, he sends supplies
To those he loved so well.

His army stands in battle-line arrayed:
His couriers fly: all's done: now God decide!
-- And not till then saw he the Other Side
Or would accept the shade.

Thou Land whose sun is gone, thy stars remain!
Still shine the words that miniature his deeds.
O thrice-beloved, where'er thy great heart bleeds,
Solace hast thou for pain!





Unsatisfied? Search for more:


Other Cool Sites:

Hot Arts & Stage News

Lyrics Catalogue

Sound Tracks Guide

Guide to Serials and Shows

English Subtitles For DivX Movies

Hundreds of Cooking Recipes

Over 5000 Cocktails Recipes

Cool Online Encyclopedia

Cellulars Descriptions and Reviews

Algorithms Dictionary

Funny Jokes and Anecdotes.

Usenet Newsgroups Reader