THE WOODS OF TENNESSEE. But you you must be strong and bright; You are a soldier's wife: I'll think of you by day and night, Your love shall nerve me in the fight; Louisville, Ky. THE WOODS OF TENNESSEE. ANONYMOUS. THE whip-poor-will is calling From its perch on the splintered limb, And the plaintive notes are echoing Through the aisles of the forest dim : The slanting threads of starlight Are silvering shrub and tree, And the spot where the loved are sleeping, In the woods of Tennessee. The leaves are gently rustling, But they're stained with a tinge of red As they prayed in mortal agony 17 18 A CALL TO THE BRAVE. Death touched them with his finger, In the list of the killed and wounded, On the banks of the old "Hatchie," There's many still forms lying But the memory will be ever sweet On his country's altar offered, In the woods of Tennessee. A CALL TO THE BRAVE. UP, up ye sons of freedom! born Beneath our nation's God-blest sky, A CALL TO THE BRAVE. God and our country call you forth To fight, to conquer, or to die. Shall our fair land, by heaven so blest, Around whose shrines our hearts have grown? Shall they, beneath a grinding heel, Tread down our brave and noble men? Shall they, with despot's iron rule, Make of our land a demon's den? Shall prayers and tears and sighs and groans Shall our forefathers from their graves Ah, no! thank God, you see your place! 19 20 THE VOLUNTEER'S WIFE Brave hearts, ye have our truest prayers God shield and guard and bless you all, Though life may falter when we part Amid the smoke of muskets bright, THE VOLUNTEER'S WIFE TO HER HUSBAND DON'T stop a moment to think, John, Your country calls then go; Don't think of me or the children, John, I'll care for them, you know. Leave the corn upon the stalks, John, Potatoes on the hill, TO HER HUSBAND. And the pumpkins on the vines, John - But take your gun and go, John, Take your gun and go, For Ruth can drive the oxen, John, And I can use the hoe. I've heard my grandsire tell, John, How he counted all his life and wealth Shall we shame the brave old blood, John, Our army's short of blankets, John, I spun and wove them when a girl, And worked them with great care. Then take your gun and go, etc. 21 |