1836 

                                  CONCORD HYMN

                             by Ralph Waldo Emerson








şiElectronically Enhanced Text (c) Copyright 1996, World Library(R)
DAK Upgraded Edition, Copyright 2000, DAK Industries 2000, Inc(R)şI

{CONCORD_HYMN
                                CONCORD HYMN
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     Sung at the Completion of the Battle Monument, July 4, 1837
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            By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
              Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
            Here once the embattled farmers stood
              And fired the shot heard round the world.
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            The foe long since in silence slept;
              Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
            And Time the ruined bridge has swept
              Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
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            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.
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            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.
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                               THE END