Wilt thou, uncalled, interrogate, Wilt thou not ope thy heart to know Verdict which accumulates From lengthening scroll of human fates, Prayers of saints that inly burned, - As God lives, is permanent ; Hearts are dust, hearts' loves remain; Built he heaven stark and cold; Built of tears and sacred flames, CONCORD HYMN SUNG AT THE COMPLETION OF THE BATTLE MONUMENT, JULY 4, 1837a By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Here once the embattled farmers stood And fired the shot heard round the world. The foe long since in silence slept ; Alike the conqueror silent slecps; And Time the ruined bridge has swept Down the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft stream, We set to-day a votive stone; That memory may their deed redeem, When, like our sires, our sons are gone. Spirit, that made those heroes dare To die, and leave their children free, Bid Time and Nature gently spare The shaft we raise to them and thee. |