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V ..rii -V.Q ITS MBS- BENGEROF ■';•■■■-: v -\:a HAD NOME THE # ALAMO ^3- AND OTHER POEMS VIOLA RILEJ BEBBX • 1 * #fe * # # i # *■■■ $ jffe c\m_££££23 Book • ^ Vj' /jS ' Copyright N° Z/^ * # < onmciir deposit. # # # * * * ^ ^ * ^ ^ £ * ^ ^ ^ 4 * 4 *£ st 4 4 T r T <* V* * T t § ' - *■ *. # * f # * * * * * * * m -^ **•* -0 -* Sf ^ ^.-. ^i ^|fe '?^3P^' : - ^i^h ^5F^~— -^)P"- #§ ■■■*.. ^ ^ ^ «^ ; # :^ »P * ^ #1 -*.. >* #= ^ yk ^ ^ *lfe ^ft| :#- : =#e -^ ^#: Nfe j# * -if. g^ i ■■■*> m ^ m i* ■ H ipip ^ ^h ip » sfe; * ^jfe ^ ^ ::#. ^ ^ :^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ IP ^ g^ ^ ^ ^. .-^ :: -s^ ^ | Up -#j, ^ip ^ :$ %: -^ ^^N- ^ ^, >m *;. yk y^ ; --^, --^ ^|fe ^ : ^f^ ^-^N^; ^p ^ --gfe ^ ^ ^ ^ ; :;> ^ ; ^ ^ ^j ^ -^ ^p l#i -^ ^ %dfe ^i ^ ^ ^ ; VIOLA RILEY BERRY THE ALAMO AND OTHER POEMS Viola Riley Berry N2WS PUBLISHING COMPANY PRINTERS DENTON, TEXAS Two Cooles Receded JUK 30 1906 • ■ ^ Entry INDEX Page The Alamo ; Little Paul ; 1 The Volunteers B8 Vindication 91 Young- America 93 A Plea for Davis 94 Manilla 102 Our War With Spain 105 The Ideal 115 At Eventide 117 Two Loves 120 If I Were Dead 127 The First Christmas Morning 129 The Legend of Santa Clans 130 Her Eival 134 A Fragment 137 Papa's "Tady" 138 Our Boys 140 To One in Heaven 145 A Love Song II '- 1 To Annie ' -\\ 153 Farewell 1 5*3 John Sleychk Riley 158 Martha Calcote Riley 159 ILLUSTRATIONS Page The Author Frontispiece Austin at the Eiver Grande 14 Austin Overlooking Mexico 18 Finding the Lifeless Mother 34 The Alamo 64 Crowning the Heroes 67 Little Paul Takes the Message 80 The Victory 86 The Surrender 98 The Daughters in Camp 106 Battle of El Caney 110 The Meeting 124 The First Christmas 128 I Sit and Hold Thy Child 144 Down the Grassy Lane 148 Farewell 156 MY HTJS SE KINDNESS AND ASSISTANCE HAVE MADE IT PBODUCTION POSSIBLE, THIS VOLUME - Y DEDICATED. Copyright Applied For May. 1906 Viola Riley Berry CHAPTER I. Within the ancient domains of Old Mexico, The realm of Montezuma, sweet with flowers, And rich with dazzling gold, the stately Alamo Lifts her grim walls and towers, A mission house, secure and plain. Built by the warrior priests of Spain, When to the sword they lent their arts. And with religion won the hearts Of Anahuac's* squaws and braves, Then took their homes and made them slaves ; Ir Jesus' name they wrought their purpose fell, And preached of heaven, while thus they aided hell. r 01d Indian name for Mexico. 8 TH A' A L A M But in a land where Freedom set her seal. And where her spirit breathes in every leaf and flower What soul so base can tread her vales, nor feel The elevating influence of her power? For noble thoughts give birth to noble deeds, As flowers spring from flowers, weeds from weeds; And in a land where AContezuma died. And with his latest breath his conquerors" defied, Even his foes must deem him good and great, And first admire, then strive to imitate. And here, where conquering and imperious Spain Had thought to found new empires for her crown ; Where, for two hundred years, her tyrannical reign And cruel laws had borne the Aztecs down With chains which they were powerless to break, (For when men kneel to strangers and forsake The shrines and altars where their fathers bled, Their gods forsake them, and their cause is dead), Her sons rebel, the Spanish rule revoke. In Freedom's name throw off the foreign yoke. In this fair land that once was Freedom's own, They breathe her air, and they at length have grown Too great for bondage, but not geal enough to give The precious boon to others which they themselves receive THE ALA M Years yet must come and centuries pass away Before the dawning of that perfect day When the descendants of false and treacherous Spain Can rise above their source, and wash away the stain Of hate and greed and rapine which their sires Passed on to them, together with the fires Of hate and malice, so they should be rated from. Xot what they are, but what they've overcome. ! glorious land, where every zone and clime Has given of her store the fairest and the best. Where dewy vale and mountain height sublime In graceful and harmonious union rest, In thee each exiled wanderer may find The land he loved, the home he left behind. The Eussian serf may find his groves of pine, While overhead the snows of winter shine: The warlike Greek, who flies from home and chains, May find again, in thee, his mountains and his plains, May look above thy hills and see Hellenic coloring there. While he in Freedom breathes again his own pellucid air; The proud and gallant Pole, true to the past, and brave, May find again, in thee, the land he could not save — Thy bordering hills, thy wide expanse of plain, Give back the home for which he fought in vain. id T // /•; A LAM <) When to this land the changeful years shall bring The spirit heirs of its great martyr king; When its rieli dales and plains once more are rife With useful industries and friendly strife: When men already true and great shall come And make this land their country and their home; When neath these lucid, azure skies Their children play, and all the tender ties Of love and home together weave their spell. While 'round them crumbling walls and ruin- tel Of days gone by, of glory past, Of men who fought and gave their last Warm heart's blood for their cherished land, And Inspiration with her wand Of Memory writes upon each heart The lessons of that noble past. In thoughts indelible and vast — Then shall this realm once more attain Its pristine glory, and the staiu Of slavery for aye depart, Cleansed by the blood of heroes brave. Who dare the battle's strife and pains, Who deem more blest the bloodiest grave Than the most peaceful life in chains. THE ALAMO CHAPTER II. Scarce had the throes of revolution ceased And peace once more her fair dominion claimed, Scarce were the ranks of war and strife released, And Mexico a sovereign nation named, Than to that realm that northward lies From the blue waters of the Mexican sea, Where valleys smile and verdant mountains rise And antelopes still roam, untamed and free, There came a band of hardy pioneers, Lured by the pledge of Mexico so fair, Of land and liberty to all who settled there. In spite of Indian tomahawks and spears, Columbia's sons, with eager hearts and hands, 12 T 11 A" A L A M < Come thronging to this new Eutopia, And settle first upon the fertile lands That nestle "round the forts of San Antonio ; Then, spread outward from this central place. The settlements move, and soon fair cities grace The dales and plains of Texas. The hum Of industry on every side is heard ; The population swells, the time has come For Mexico to keep her plighted word And grant home rule to the brave men who toil To make their province glorious and bright : Who struggle with the Indians, till the soil. While watching ever for the dawning light Of that glad day when they shall see Their province sovereign and free, One of a union of independent states. This is the hope that moves and animates The patriot band upon the wilderness To bear their hardships, dangers and distress. Gladly they toil while Hope's inspiring sun Paints bows of promise on each cloud that rolls Across the landscape of their freeborn souls, Until, at last, their noble task is done, And their part of the contract carried through. THE ALAMO 13 And now they wait in patience and relief, When messengers arrive from Mexico To take the rule from their great chief, Austin, their noble emprisario, And join to Coahuila their young state. Now from her sons, by wrongs made desperate, Is heard the cry of wrath and discontent, Like the hoarse mutterings of internal fires Ere the volcano is with eruptions rent, And, yielding to his colonists' desires, Their chieftain goes to Mexico once more To plead their cause, if possible to restore Their chartered rights. As he proceeds, His heart with hope and courage high, Proudly he gazes where fair nature spreads Her glowing charms before the enraptured eye. The waving grass and radiant beds Of blooming flowers in sweet ranks Upon the meads and river banks, Mingle their perfumes on the air As if the Deitv were there. Austin at the River Grande THE ALA II Id That Aztecs worshiped in the breath Of fruits and flowers, and the wreath That pious fingers then did twine And lay upon his sacred shrine, Still blooms in beauty, fair and sweet, And forms a carpet for his feet. ! such a land and such a clime Would wake fond hopes and dreams sublime, In every breast not wholly lost. ! how felt Austin as he crossed The borders of that wondrous land And loitered at the river Grande To take a lingering farewell look At grassy plain and babbling brook, Of his own country, whose expanse Would be a rich inheritance, The birthright of his posterity, And his brave comrades' with whose aid A glorious province he had made And rescued from obscurity. As he loiters in the shade By tropic vines and palm trees made, 16 THE ALAMO His heart is filled with visions bright Of his dear land when peace and right Should over all that realm prevail, And planning for his country's weal He plunges in the river wide, And soon has reached the other side. Now through splendid solitudes Of fragrant flowers and lofty woods, His pathway lies where, shining yet, Is Freedom's eternal coronet, Which, when all other lights are gone, Will high above the mouldering fires Of crumbling empires still shine on, To wake glad hopes and grand desires, In every heart whom adverse fate Has rendered dark and desolate. But on this land has fallen a blight, That darkens all her beaming light, For men who late in Fredom's cause Had faced the foe and broken his power, Are victims now of unjust laws, And in vile servitude must cower. THE ALAMO 11 While pity fills his generous breast For these poor peons* thus oppressed, He hopes that when his state shall send Her statesmen there, they will amend The laws and then this land shall be Once more the shrine of Liberty, And strife from these domains depart. Tor, while round his patriotic heart Sweet Charity her mantle flings, He hopes that this injustice springs More from ignorance than from greed, That all the ruling classes need Is for some patriot to show How justice to both high and low Will most advance their country's good, And make her sons one brotherhood; Who then in hope may toil or fight For happy homes and hearthstones bright. Then shall their discontentment cease And this glad land be known afar As just and glorious in peace, But still invincible in war. *A person made a slave for debt in Mexico. ■r. -c"o Z 5 ■- 5 c« D I a» — ex ► bo ft £I.S --- = * 8 o (O C THE ALAMO 19 While dreaming of a future bright For his dear land, the days and nights Of his long journey soon are past, And he has reached his goal at last. He enters a deep vale of flowers, And Mexico's bright domes and towers Stand out in picturesque relief Against high mounts whose heads of snow Are mirrored in the lakes below, Where the cheriostemon* lifts in grief The image of that gory hand, That stained with blood the peaceful land Of Azteca. The ambrozial breeze, Odorous with blooming locust trees And orange groves, magnolias white And tulips with their blossoms bright Is wafting to his raptured ear The evening vespers sweet and clear As meath the evening's gathering shades, The last bright beam of daylight fades. *A plant of Mexico whose flower is a perfect imitation of a blood-red hand. THE ALAMO CHAPTEK III. Bright breaks the dawn, from sheltering trees The mock-bird pipes its matin song. Upon the fragrant, languid breeze Its notes are swelling glad and strong, And now like tints of brilliant shells The misty clouds are turning; And soon above the eastern hills The orb of day is burning, Transforming with its golden glow The fortress walls and city spires, Kindling the dewy leaves below. And mountain tops with crystal fires. THE ALAMO 21 Soon the streets are crowded with the throng Of busy people hurrying along, And Austin hastens to the council halls, To lay before its members the details Of his state's grievances, to claim redress For wrongs, but owing to the press Of weightier business, so the Mexicans claim, His cause must rest, and Texas bide her time. He waits within the chamber to hear the pressing theme, Sees Patriotism stiffled, and oppression reign supreme. Then Austin leaves the chamber with sad and thoughtful brow; No hope of justice for his land lives in his bosom now, But he resolves to labor in her cause and persevere, To contend for freemen's rights boldly without fear, To do his duty bravely nor heed the tyrants, And leave the issue of his work to the justice of his God. After long months of waiting. Austin gains the council floor, And asks the government to keep Its pledges made of yore. In vain he urges justice: THE ALAMO Santa Anna's wily art Has conquered the assembly, And right and peace depart. Then in the tyrant's, stronghold Austin rises in his place, With flashing eyes and ringing voice. Defies him to his face. "Fellow citizens of Mexico : With The argument of might You have overturned the government. And nullified the right. You have violated our charter, And broken your pledged word ; You have desolated our fair land With the violence of the sword. But we, who grew in Freedom's soil And breathed her inspiring air, Will fight in Liberty's dear name Through sorrow or despair; Will give our lives a sacrifice Upon her altar bright. THE ALAMO Ere we will bear injustice, Or own the tyrant's might. "So bring your blood-hounds to your aid, And sound your bugle shrill, Calling your minions from the glade, The mine, the field, the hill. To forge the fetters for our land, Or steep our plains in gore And you will find, though small our band, God arms us with his power. For He who rules the universe Knows that our cause is just; Knows that the present turmoil is The offspring of your lust, And .He who gave the Israelites A David in their need, Has still the power to rescue Our country from your greed." When generals lead their armies out To fight their country's foe, Their country's flag, their comrades shout Their common weal or woe; U TH E A LA M Inflame them to the fierce attack And norve tbem in the fisrht. And cheer them when the volleys black, Of smoke obscure their sight And when they fall as victims brave, Defending flag and home, Honor will seek their gory grave, And mark it for her own. Brit when a patriot dares to stand Amidst his foes alone. And valiantly defend his land 'Gainst a usurper's throne, For him though chains may bind him fast And ignominy dark, Upon his reputation cast Her foul, polluting mark. For him his country's love and fame, Reserve the brightest bays To wreathe around his noble name, And crown him with their praise. TEE ALAMO 25 And he who stood in honor bright Amid that Mexican throng, Contending for his country's rights, While facing fraud and wrong, Will live in Texan hearts for aye Enshrined among the brave Who fought on Freedom's natal day. And filled a soldier's grave. THE ALAMO CHAPTER IV. 'Twas noon when, from the fragrant vale, Rode Austin, who, for two long years, Had languished in a Mexican jail; With other thoughts his bosom stirs Than those which filled his breast when first The city on his vision burst. Then every sound the zephyrs bore To his glad ear some promise wore; Some prophecy of future good, When Mexico in her pride should be As far above the raging flood THE ALA J[ 21 Of vice and wrong and tyranny, As her magnificent plaza stands 'Bove pestilential valley lands. But now, with disillusioned eyes, He views the glowing earth and skies, And there, amidst her domes and towers, Her lucious fruits and langrous flowers, Her churches and her altars fair, Where black-robed sisters kneel in prayer, And chant their vespers, there, e'en there, He sees the serpent's trail: each bloom Now whispers of the peons' doom, Whose unrequited labor made Those avenues of bloom and shade. Now as his vision chanced to range To crumbling ruins near the road, He sighed to mark the woeful change That Cortez wrought. Amidst the load Of bondage settling o'er the land, And its attendant grief and pain, These monuments of ancient worth, In ruin still august and grand, THE ALAMO Bear Testimony of the truth Of Montezuma's glorious reign. And Austin felt that bond sublime. That links the soul of noble men In every age and every clime. As men of ancient pedigree Eevere the heroes of their line. So looked he back in sympathy To him who died without a sign. Upon a bed ot burning coals.* A victim of Spain's cruelty. While Time's ceaseless cycle rolls, The memory of this deed shall be A drawn sword o'er that nation's head. Where e'er her treacherous armies tread, And she shall victory know no m Upon the ocean or the shore. Ah. Montezuma ! once thy land Was glorious and free. From mountain gorge to ocean strand. The shrine of Liberty. v subjects seeing in thy face The majesty of kingly grace. When Montezuma was being tortured on a bed of live coals in order to force him to disclose the locality of his mines, he spoke only once. When his secretary, who shared the same fate, showed signs of weakening. Monte- zuma smiled and said, ''I am resting on a bed of ro^es." Both died without revealing the secret. TEE ALAMO Tried thy pure life to imitate, And serving thee, they too were great, Learned vice and cruelty to abhor, And e'en forgot the art of war. Bnt thou hadst reached the highest plane That human excellence can know, Better to die without a stain, Unyielding to a treacherous foe, Than live thy term out, to its close, The servant of thy country's foes. When Pallas, with impartial pen, Makes record of thy times and men, Then shall thy glorious fame amass New luster as the years shall pass. While the judge, relentless Time, Brings retribution for all crime, While Cortez, neath his sovereign's blame, Sinks down in poverty and shame. And the dynasty which thus requites Its subjects who have served it best, Stabs partiotism in the breasts THE ALAMO Of all its subjects, and ignites The fires of treachery and fa Columbia, pointing to thy : Will teach her sons to emulate Thy noble courage and the love Of home and country that shall move Their freeborn souls, will speed the dart Of vengeance through the oppressors heart. THE ALAMO CHAPTER V. 'Tis midnight, calm and still, and over all The gracious blessings of restful slumber fall. The tiny babe clasped to its mother's breast, The father near, who guards and shares their rest, The happy maid, thrilled by her sweetheart's kiss, The stalwart lover, still dreaming of the bliss, The young and old alike lie undisturbed, the zephyrs woo To deeper sleep, when suddenly a long and loud "hallow!" Of vengeful triumph from a thousand savage lungs Wakes every settler, a thousand glaring tongues Of lurid flame leap madly in the air, Fed by the settlers' homes. The scene, erstwhile so fair, Is changed to one of carnage. When men, as yet THE ALAMO Unarmed, rush from their burning thresholds, they are met By arrows sped from unseen hands. Their cry Is vain to warn their loved ones. Thus they die Victims of the treacherous red man's hate, And wives and children share their bloody fate. One fair young wife, alone, whose beauty caught The brutal fancy of their chief, was brought Unto his wigwam with her child clasped to her heart, As though in life no force the twain could part. On deeds like these dire Vengeance follows fast, And neighboring settlements are roused at last, Who, fired to madness by the sight of women slam, Now chase the howling demons in fury o'er the plain. Fast fly the Indians, but faster still their foe, And with unerring aim, they slay them as they go. While they hurry onward the infant's plaintive cry Annoys the cruel chieftain, and he swears the child shall die. TEE ALAMO 33 He tore the child with savage glee From the trembling mother's breast. Where she had vainly tried to soothe Its frightened sobs to rest. Oh ! there was no darker deed In that foul night of strife; He threw it screaming in the air And caught it on his knife. The mother, mad with horror, With a cry of anguish wild, Tore loose the bonds that bound her And died beside her child. When the settlers were returning That eve at set of sun, The prairie strewn with Indians slain r Their work of vengeance done, They found beaneath a lone mesquite Upon the prairie wild, The lifeless mother, baptized with The life-blood of her child. They found beneath a lone mesquite The lifeless mother baptised with The life blood of her child. THE ALAMO 35 The two were taken tenderly Across the prairie wide, And laid, in grief and sorrow, By the murdered husband's side. Beneath the ashes of that home Where their young lives were blest, In death's eternal union The three were laid to rest, While prayers and tears were given By rugged men and brave, Who vowed to guard with greater care Their loved from such a grave. They stood not still in sorrow, For the awful murders done In the future must be prevented, By the bayonet and the gun; So they built upon the Gaudalupe, In memory of these Who died beneath the tomahawk, The fortress, Gonzales. T HE AL A M And on this consecrated ground. Baptized with blood and fire, Their loved ones found a safe retreat From the red man's savage ire. Many a time the bugle's blast, In accents shrill and clear, Has warned the neighboring settlements That Indian foes were near. Then hastening from their scattered homes. When e'er they heard the call, They placed their loved ones safely Behind its sheltering walls Till they could drive the Indians back Across the rolling plain. Then with their loved ones would return to their own home* again. THE ALAMO CHAPTEE VI. When Austin first returned From Mexican prison walls, His people, his heart's children, To Gonzales he called. Like a father in their midst, Reverend and grave he stood, And told of Mexican treachery, And fraud and vile falsehood. F/en while they listened to this tale, With wrath and passions high, A band of armed soldiers 88 T II K ALAMO From Mexico drew nigh. The captain rode up boldly. With leveled gun and sword. And shouted to the assembled citizens. "Disperse, ye rebel horde." Then Austin, like a patriot brave. Made answer just and true : "Our meeting is a lawful one. And will not disperse for you. But if you bring a message From Mexico today. With patience we will listen To what you wish to say. Then thus spake the captain. "His Majesty of Mexico,* Sends word to you. his subjects, If your fealty you would show. To send back by my soldiers Your guns and army stores, For he has heard it rumored That you've denied his power. But if you do his bidding "*About this time Santa Anna declared himself Emperor of Mexico. THE ALAMO He will know that you are true, And his gracious love and favor Will be granted then to you. These sturdy sons of Freedom Saw at once the hidden lie, They knew the message's meaning Was "war or slavery/' But they shrank not from war's dangers. rTor shunned its toils and pains, For the blood that flowed at Lexington Still ran within their veins. Such blood can never hesitate Xor shrink in dire alarms. Between a base surrender Or the using of its arms. So Austin, in his wisdom, Made answer once again : "Your ruler knows that we, who dwell Upon this hostile plain Would fall beneath the Indian's wrath Before tomorrow's sun If they should find us helpless Without a sword or gun. UO THE ALAMO So you may tell him this for us : 'We have no wish for strife, But at his word we do not care To give up home or life, And this demand that he has made We promptly do decline; The boon of liberty God gave We never will resign.' '' Then, deigning not to make reply. The captain, with a frown. Shouted to his waiting soldiers, "Shoot every rebel down. Nor leave a man to tell the tale In this accursed town." Scarce had their rifles spoken Ere the Texans made reply. While the fire of patriotism beamed In every flashing eye, And gun and sword and cannon Flashed in the noonday sun, And soon they raised a joyous cry. "They run, the Mexicans run !" THE ALAMO 1,1 But swift o'er valley, hill and plain They chased the flying foe Who paused not till they safety found Within the Alamo. Then to the garrison within They told a wondrous tale Of overwhelming numbers 'Gainst which nothing could prevail, And quaking Fear with palsied hand Seized every coward heart, And all their boasted courage In a moment did depart. And messengers in haste were sent For aid to Mexico. To help to make them more secure Against so strong a foe. Early one morning when the night Still held her mantle o'er the slumbering town And glittering stars like heaven's eye of light Illumining the dark, were looking down In tranquil beauty; when the sun Had sent his first faint couriers to reveal His speedy coming; the patriots one by one Into the city silently did steal, Save one small band, who boldly to the right, Entered the citv as if to woo the fisrht. T 11 E .1 LA MO The picket guards, in haste their bugles blow; The half-waked soldiers swiftly fly to arms And train their guns upon the coming foe. But, hark to the west new and more dire alarms Await them. An old deserted mill Silent before, now speaks with tongue of flame And voice of thunder which with confusion fill The Mexican ranks, who scarcely know the name Of Freedom, who fight for greed of gold Or lust of power, or vile fear, Like beasts who dread the lash their masters hold To keep them in submission. When they hear The booming guns like a challenge from their fate. Trembling they turn while fear doth magnify The Texan army into a multitude so great That hastily they leave their guns to fly. A few bold officers their courage now retain And they with promises and threats and fixed bayonets The cowards check and drive them back again To their deserted guns. Now they set THE A L A M J, 3 The bloody banner overhead winch meant "Death to the conquered/ 7 Thus with a counter-fear Their servile minions are to the battle sent Who now fight with the fury of despair And ape heroic deeds by terror driven. While for the creed of others they read their own "Xo quarter need be asked where none is given. Xor mercy looked for where none is shown. " A patriot band oppose their might. Strong in the power of God and right, Who fight for liberty and home. Their heritage of truth and faith. Who'd rather ever houseless roam Cheered on by Freedom's voice and breath, And then, when every hope was past. Die, true, beneath her flag at last. Than bow the head or bend the knee To Mexican fraud and tyranny Though honors high or treasures great Were sure such treachery to requite. Slowly the patriots with faces firmly set Toward the strong battlements of their desperate foe THE ALAMO Now sheltered by a wall, now in the open street, Fighting and struggling still yet ever onward go, Calm in the face of Death. Thrice hath the sun Eisen upon the conflict still he greets Each valiant Texan though the gun- Still belch their murderous fire and the streets Are red with gore and piled with Mexicans slain. But the brave Milam, as from house to house he gee- Careless of self beneath the leaden rain, Xow falls the first victim of the beleaguered foes. True to the last and with his last breath Shouted their watchword, "Libertv or death!" Did the brave Texans pause When died their leader brave? . Xay, nay. the glorious cause Still lived for which he gave His noble life. Their watchword now A message from his spirit bore And gave each loyal heart and brow A strength they never felt before. THE ALAMO J>5 When darkness once again npon the conflict fell The little band crept through the shadows dim And seized the house where the Mexican priests did dwell, When morning came their guns and cannon grim Were trained upon the Alamo. One volley now Drives every Mexican back. The bloody flag is gone, And in its stead o'er the mission's silent brow A snowy banner greets the rising sun. Sueing for peace from those whom late The bigot Mexicans swore To conquer and annihilate. The struggle now is o'er; The cries of victory that arise From the Texan ranks proclaim That victory still with Freedom lies. They conquered in her name, But to their humbled foe they gave The forfeited mercy of the brave. On parole they let the Mexicans go Back to their homes in Mexico. Then with glad hearts and joyous faces Marched in and took the vacant places. ! never had these grim old walls Received so brave a crew As this which claims their shelter now, T If E ALA M With courage, firm and true. And Nature smiles her proudest smile To greet her welcome guests Who shim no toil nor danger In Freedom's glorious quest. Tonight the sun with lingering glow- Looks last upon the Alamo As if. in all that country round. Where zephyrs from the Mexican s Thrill the rapt ear with melody. Xo spot so pleasing he had found. Then pauses her dear towers to bless And leave a lover's sweet caress. Xow. as if they feel the bliss And benediction of bis kiss . The soldiers sink to their repose While twilight lingers in the « - And pickets guard their quiet rest And listen for their f 5. THE ALAMO CHAPTEE VII. Through chilly eves and frosty morning hours These ancient walls echoed our soldiers tread. While golden leaf and gorgeous autumn flowers Glowed brighter, far, than Summer's radiant bed Cheering their exile while they dream of friends and home And see that home made fair by Freedom's light Where strife and tyranny may never come But peace and hope dwell 'neath the rule of right. E'en while these visions cheered our soldiers still And mirage-like glowed bright before their eyes, Stern Santa Anna with his despotic will Boused all his legions with promises and lies. 48 THE ALAMO Furious with rage when home his soldiers came With neither flags nor guns nor spoils of war, With cunning messages their passions to inflame, To all his regions he sent his heralds far, Urging his followers who loved their homes to fight For their country's honor and their sacred faith, Promising wealth and honor, power and might, Glorv on earth and heaven after death. All lures and bribes before their minds he placed Dressed in bright language pilfered from the page Of holy writ. His purpose foul, thus graced, Caught saint and sinner, simpleton and sage. Too well he knew the Devil's greatest power Lies in his cunning similitude of right. A power begotten in that dark hour He first planned treason 'gainst the God of might, Tried cautiously at first and whispered low To one sworn friend, then two, then bolder grown He spoke to many, won their faith and so He hurled a host against Jehovah's throne Only to find though Fate, herself, should fight That all her thunderbolts in vain were driven. THE ALAMO God is supreme, all strength, all love, all light, His throne is fixed immovable in heaven, Nor felt the charge, but from heaven's height was hurled. With his raging hosts, the author of all sin Filled with fierce wrath, who in this lower world Wages the strife which in heaven did begin. Man is the victim, often man's the tool, And Santa Anna is now his highest priest, Strong in eloquence and power to rule, Claiming God's sanction when serving Mammon most. With pious words he leads his army back And proudly boast of Glory for the brave, Urging them forward to the fierce attack, The Mexican's triumph and the Texan's grave. Many follow; even those who swore To fight the gallant Texans nevermore Are loudest in their clamor while they boast Oi dire revenge for every banner lost. THE ALAMO The birds that carol in the tr s. The squirrels that chatter in the wood?. The beasts that haunt the solitudes Of forests wild, these, only th se. 1 l all who in that realm remain Their freeborn heritage retain. For men who drove from out their land The Spanish hordes and bondage evil Are ruled by Santa Anna's hand And he's in bondage to the devil. And now he strives to make our land Support his tottering tin Unknowing that the noble free Will yield to death alone. Early one morning the beat of drum, the blast Of bugle and the lusty clarion call Awake the slumbering garrison and fast They rush to every port hole in the wall. They see their city reposing in the glow Of rosy morn — -like infancy at rest In innocence ami purity, unheeding care and woe In the calmness of confidence upon its mother's breast. THE A.LAJIO 51 But further on like the sea's tempestuous tide An outer city stretches far and wide Clamorous with noises, tumultuous with strife And all the many attributes of fierce and bloody life. It is the Mexican army, proud in its display Of brilliant uniforms and myriad banners gay. Though fierce in anger, though they know within The army's small, they tremble to begin The struggle fierce. Too well they know The prowess of each valiant foe. And so the coward minions wait In terror at the outer gate Till reinforcements swell their throng And make their force ten thousand strong. Seven score and ten this force oppose And shout defiance to their foes And swear their banner e'er shall wave Above their freedom or their grave. THE ALAMO CHAPTER VIII. As day by day increased the Mexican hosts And closer drew their lines around our little band, Bonham, a trusted courier, secretly the borders crossed And went to ask for aid from their beloved land. He found that land by discord pierced and torn., Bleeding and helpless in her hour of need. Traitors had crossed the threshold and had borne Her strength away in their unholy greed To wear the laurels which their state did place On worthier brows. To death and to disgrace T HE AL A M i They led the band which should have gone to save Their hard-pressed comrades who so bravely did withstand The Mexican attack and boldly gave Shot back for shot, then to their chosen land Offered their lives anew and without dread or pause, Vowed to achieve her freedom or perish in her cause. Before the council Bonham did relate His comrades' danger and their sore distress. He asked for rescue from their impending fate From the fierce legions which on every side did press Eager for blood, determined to overthrow The dauntless few that manned the Alamo. A^ain was his pleading, although his earnest words Sank deep in hearts already filled with woe. Potter arose and waving aloft his sword, Moved that they march at once to aid the Alamo. Then each heart bounded at the welcome words "On to the Alamo" was every man's reply While in the air waved fifty hats and swords. For all were eager to aid their friends or die. THE A LA M Now in their midst rose one solemn and grave And thoughtful ever for his country's weal. All hushed to listen for all knew him brave And that his words true wisdom would reveal. Houston arose : "Friends, with our helpless state Our duty lies. Our valor, strength and lives Are riot our own but at her call must wait And she must live though not one here survive. What is this thing you council? Fifty men Against an army. A breath against a storm. It could not help your comrades or your state : why then Help glut the vengeance of the Mexican swarm ? Think ye those men would have you leave your p Xay. they are soldiers tried and true and brave. They do not value life at such tremendous cost. Their cherished land they'll gladly die to save. 'Tiemember states need brains as well as arms And need them clearest in war's most dire alarms. Then bide ye here and with your councils grave Give >trcngth and purpose to the efforts of the brave, While, aided by your prayers, I go And take what force I can to aid the Alamo. T HE AL A M 55 Our men are scattered over hill and plain, The foe are many and very short the time, And if our hope to save our friends is vain And they must fall as martyrs in their prime, Then may the God of Liberty once more Give vengeance to his people, may the foe Drink deep the draught which to our land they bore From the dark fiends that rule in Mexico." Then. Bonham spoke again, ."Kind friends and true, T thank you for the good you fain would do. You cannot help us now. Your duty plain Is at your post. Mine, mine again Points to my comrades. 0, believe me, friends, Though sore our need, your course my heart commends. Eemember strength in union lies, that discord now Would be your ruin. May our God on high Guide all your councils. While our strength allows At sunrise you will hear our signal gun. Collect your men And hasten. If you fail to hear Our gun at sunrise, dear friends, know then That death has come or else is very near; Then seek the foe elsewhere. Dear friends, good bve." THE ALAMO Thsv&i many pkaM winli In to remain W^^r^ Honor Bg«iL Kfcp- one of AnwHw ^nmr figne. zaofweiL ht foUtowned to Ids ©anain doom, like- a efesrm©i J Loi g M feoMBr fofr want less wat Afireadhr Bwrigtiirtr wiHn ii: : H-r HOlit£ £ Bffiaife 1 Off «HT watefiuM fo£ i 3 wt Mnhaonsigdl lie ff£*dta&I ulie Alamo. Hlmfe . ne- fire«Hi Trite Mwe Gamftafiwpts bank? A 1fcw ooH -: z~- i :. i i ~;zie.L n&e- iaiiaBOfftial ran A day . 5 iff rammer j±w the flag of the foe o'er our ramparts will wave. "I could give my life and count it gain If I could only know That I had caused one victory ver my country's foe. But now — n and more than mortal agony V :>ne in his dimming e; "I ne'er can help my country more And vainly do I di~." He paused awhile then clasped his hands And conquered his despair. And in Christian faith and courage He breathed an earnest priv That God would send a messenger take his papers on the way That thev might reach his general's hand Before the dawn of dav. LITTLE PAUL 77 As Paul knelt beside the soldier A spirit brave and true Seemed to fill his childish bosom With strength to dare and do He spoke in faith and hope, Of God's promises so fair That he would surely, surely, hear The Christian's earnest prayer. "You've asked Him for a messenger, I offer you my life, And vow to take your papers safe Or perish in the strife. If you will trust them in my hands And teach me how to go That I may find your general And he yet may victory know." "But it is night," the soldier cried, "The way is long and wild, Beset with snares and dangers, And you are but a child. But still if you could take them," 78 THE ALAMO And his eyes with hope grew bright, **Our country will reward you Though I shall die tonight.'*'* Paul answered like a patriot, 3od will guard the brave And take a child in safety To where our banners w If I but put my faith in Him He will surely take me through 7 : save our bleeding Country our flag of bonnie blue." When the soldier looked upon him He saw his face aglow fch the faith that led our martvrs In triumph through their woe. H> ts and fears all vanished. 7 mist before the sun. While hope revealed a picture Of a brilliant victory won. LITTLE PAUL 79 So he placed within Paul's keeping All the papers for which he gave His life a willing sacrifice., If only he might save And send them to his commander; Then he told the boy the way, That he might reach the general's camp Before the dawn of day. Then he spoke of friends and loved ories In his home so far away, Of a sweetheart, young and lovely, Of a mother, old and gray — How he loved them, how their memory Had nerved his arm to fight — And he prayed that they might meet him In his Father's home so bright. Now upon his dying features Shone a look of love and grace, As if through the gates of heaven He beheld that Father's face ; And while the glory deepened Paul hid him with his mantle. Crossed his hands upon his breast, Then with a last and lingering look He left him to his rest. LITTLE PAUL 81 His spirit took its flight To a home among the angels. Where all is peace and right. Our soldier died for home and friends, And He who died for all Will take him home in glory To His Father's heavenly halls. Thns he helped to gain a victory And a home in heaven won, Though the South had lost a hero, A mother, her dear son. Paul hid him with his mantle, Crossed his hands upon his breast, Then, with a long and lingering look, He left him to his rest. He mounted the brave charger That still stood near his side, And, with his papers firmly clasped, He started on his ride. THE AL A M On one side he could see the firelight From his mother's window shine, But he only sighed, and looked away. And left it far behind. He knew within that cottage, When his absence should be known, Would be anxiety and sorrow, While his mother wept and mourned. For a moment then he faltered, And his eyes were wet with tears, As he thought of all her anguish, All her wild and torturing fears; But he strove against the impulse, And conquered the desire; He left his home behind him, And his mother's cheerful fire. Soon he could see before him The lights of a village shine, And heard, upon the steeple, The village clock strike nine. Still onward, over onward, LITTLE PAUL His charger almost flew, •And Paul, clinging on with all his might, Prayed God to take him through. The moon rose up in splendor, And lent her welcome light, But soon a dark and stormy cloud Hid her smiling face from sight: The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, And filled his heart with fear, But still he struggled bravely on Through the tempest dark and drear. At last the horse's strength was gone — He fell dead in the road; But still Paul struggled bravely on, Through storm and rain and mud. On, on, the way seemed endless; But the sky began to clear, And soon the moon shone out again, To banish doubt and fear. 84 T HE AL A M Alas, for our little hero, His own strength was failing fast; His feet were torn and bleeding, And his courage sank at last. He stopped at a lighted cabin, For he could walk no more; He called loudly on his general's name. And fainted at the door. Within the cabin were the men Whom Paul had come to seek ; They lifted him up gently, And bathed his brow and cheek. They rubbed his hands and warmed his feet, And tried to ease his pain, And watched with care and pity Till he could speak again. When consciousness came back to Paul, Just at the dawn of day, He saw, around his bedside, Three soldiers dressed in gray. So he told them of the papers, LITTLE PAUL 85 And how the soldier died Who had trusted him to bring them, Of his long and dangerous ride. They looked at him in wonder, At the small and fragile form, Who to serve his cherished country Had braved the night and storm. When they showed him his commander His heart was full of joy; And the battelfleld was won that day By the courage of a boy. The papers told our general The secrets of the foe, And he knew their weakest places, Where to strike the surest blow. He told his men that morning How a noble little child Had brought the papers safely, Through the tempest, fierce and wild. - : _ - LITTLE PAUL 81 Through all the heat of battle, Through the anguish and the pain, 'Neath the iron stroke of saber And the storm of leaden rain; Where Death looks on in triumph While heroes bleed and die, Each soldier thought of that brave deed And kept his courage high. And when the day was ended, And the shadows fell once more O'er the valley strewn with corpses, O'er the river, red with gore, Paul heard the cry of victory Resounding near and far, While on our ramparts waved the flag That bears a single star. THE v LVNTIZ- - -: : :- ; , ~t =^r-:lrrir. . - jr. Who fought "raath the flag of the red, wisite and bine; - - - -■- ~t 5— rr-.. --7- _ • :•:-": -f. -:■: :-:jr :•:; - _ : - - - Good-bye. boys, good-bye. Good-bye, boys, good-bye. "-: : - " - -j - _ :r: ~ r: _ - " - - • :-': -■-. mj -—re:' — - _ - jr. T_ll TTri::.rr -7:-." :-il>: ~r re: ::*-■= :: izrr.- THE VOLUNTEERS 89 CHORUS. Then he shouldered his gun to avenge the Maine, Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye, And then with his captain he boarded the train; Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye. CHORUS. I viewed the train through a mist of tears, Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye, All loaded down with volunteers. Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye. CHORUS. He sailed off to Cuba, so gallant and brave, Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye, And fought till our flag on old Moro did wave; Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye. CHORUS. Then it's cheer, boys, cheer, Then it's cheer, boys, cheer, Then it's cheer, boys, cheer, Three cheers for the bovs in blue ! 90 THE ALAMO Then when his duty in Cuba was done. Hurrah for the boys in blue ! He sailed back home to his faithful one; Hurrah for the boys in blue ! CHORUS. We greet the train with our grateful cheer, Hurrah for the boys in blue ! The nation honors its volunteers: Hurrah for the boys in blue ! CHORUS. VINDICATION To the court in our capital city The eyes of the Southland are turned — Will it give to our hero and idol The laurels he justly hath earned? At last will it mete out the justice Withheld by our country so long? Shall the names of Schley and Dewey , Be linked in lyric and song? Will it place by the side of our Dewey Another as noble and brave, Who sustained the tierce heat of the conflict. The fleet of his countrv to save? Oh, the heart of the Southland was heavy With the weight of injustice and wrong, The envy and cold ingratitude Its idol had borne so lonof. THE ALA. He smiled when his ungrateful country ve to another the praise — If only his flee: ictorious, f ired he for laurels or bavs ? Bnt when ignominy was added, The eup of endurance was full: S all the unsullied name of his father- Go down on the records with Hull? X;. ! The name he received from his father His children as proudly shall w; And the pages of history forever Their records of justice shall bear. Still Dewey, the hero of Manilla. The real decision must make: We wait in faith for his verdict. Which the country that loves him will take. Tie over! the verdict is rendered: Let the heart of the Southland rejoice. Till the furtherest bounds of the Xorthland Shall echo its jubilant voice. When I'm a man, a man, I'll be a soldier if I can — And I can. I'll wear the blue; I'll be so true To my country and you, You'll be Proud of me, When I fight for liberty. A Plea for Davis In ancient Greece, when time was young And Sparta's sun ascendant. When through the laws Lyeurgns gave. Her valor shone resplendent; The Spartans held the Helots slaves. And bondage so tyrannical Moved Jupiter to rage, who gave A Solon to their rival. A PLEA FOR DAVIS 95 He made laws to rule his land In charity and wisdom, And laid in her acropolis The corner-stone of Freedom. Then Athens grew in art and lore, Each year more strength attaining, And soon on Sparta's boasted might Quite rapidly was gaining. For Solon made each slave a man, With a freeman's rights inviolate; In making laws to rule their land All subjects might participate. But on the consciences of men He laid no false restrictions; In civil conflicts each man might Fight for his own convictions. 9C THE ALAMO And they alone who failed to draw Their swords to win their cause Were cowards called, and nevermore Might help to make their laws. Soon Athens, in her strength and power, And wisdow true and just, Bent Sparta's false and vaunting pride, And trailed it in the dust. Then Helots, taking heart once more, Formed a freeman's brave alliance, And in Ithome's unyielding walls Set their masters at defiance. When in our infancy our sires The constitution drafted, They took some of the Athenian's laws And in our charter grafted. A PLEA FOR DAT I S 91 When civil conflict shook our land, And brother fought with brother, Each chose the side he thought was right And fiercely charged the other. For four long years the battle raged, And filled our land with weeping; Until upon our battlefields Many brave men were sleeping. At last, on Appomattox' field, Lee offered Grant his sword, And ne'er to fight the Union more Plighted his faithful word. But Grant at once returned the sword, In true and noble justice, And paid unto the fallen chief A tribute to his greatness. Q m