ON THE EVE OF WAR.

O

On the Eve of War.

GOD of Battles, who art still

The God of Love, the God of Rest, Subdue thy people's fiery will,

And quell the passions in their breast! Before we bathe our hands in blood We lift them to thy Holy Rood.

The waiting nations hold their breath
To catch the dreadful battle-cry;
And in the silence as of death

The fateful hours go softly by.
Oh, hear thy people where they pray,
And shrive our souls before the fray!

Before the sun of peace shall set,

We kneel apart a solemn while; Pity the eyes with sorrow wet,

But pity most the lips that smile. The night comes fast; we hear afar The baying of the wolves of war.

Not lightly, oh, not lightly, Lord,
Let this our awful task begin;

Speak from thy throne a warning word

Above the angry factions' din.

If this be thy Most Holy will,

Be with us still, - be with us still!

Good Friday, 1898.

- Danske Dandridge.

ANSWERING TO ROLL-CALL.

THIS

Answering to Roll-call.

HIS one fought with Jackson, and faced the fight with Lee;

That one followed Sherman as he galloped to the

sea;

But they're marchin' on together just as friendly as

can be,

And they'll answer to the roll-call in the mornin'!

They'll rally to the fight,

In the stormy day and night,

In bonds that no cruel fate shall sever;
While the storm-winds waft on high
Their ringing battle-cry:

“Our country,

our country forever!"

The brave old flag above them is rippling down its red, —

Each crimson stripe the emblem of the blood by heroes shed;

It shall wave for them victorious or droop above

For they'll answer to the roll-call in the mornin'!

They'll rally to the fight

In the stormy day and night,

In bonds that no cruel fate shall sever;
While their far-famed battle-cry

Shall go ringing to the sky:

"Our country, our country forever!"

-Frank L. Stanton.