.^.yCPoy^^^jTlTo^^r. ' ^i ^^. ^^ \ i Digitized by tine Internet Arcliive in 2008 witli funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation littp://www.arcliive.org/details/americanepicconcOOwelbricli THE AMERICAN EPIC. A CONCISE SCENIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. BY A CITIZEN OF NASHVILLE. Printed for the Author. Publishing Hou.se of the Methodist Eplsc-opal Church, South. B.\KiJEE &. Smith, Agents, Nashville, Tenn. 1891. THE AMERICAN EPIC. AGAINST SECTIONAL HATRED, IX FAVOR OF TRUTH, JUSTICE, LOVE, AND FEDERAL UNITY. The facts, events, and scenes of The Ajierican Epic are ar- ranged in chronological order fioni March 10, 1 704, to October 1, 18!)0. The characters speaking are angels and demons, including: Angels. Michael, Gabriel, UZZIEL, Ithuriel, Raphael, AZARIAS, Abdiel, zopiiiel, Zepiiox, israfiel, ZaDIvIEL, Ariel. Demons. Satan, Mars, Baal, Azazel, Moloch, Sera pis, Mammon, Belial, Belus, Asmodeus, ClIEMOSn, AZRAEL. CONTENTS. BOOK FIRST.— 170^-1766. Pace Britain from Julius Cusar to George III.— William Pitt — Greuville -^Tlie Stamp Act— America a Crreater Britain — Jamestown the Nursery of American Piety and Civiliza- tion — New England's Enterprise — \'iiginia's Burgesses the First American Legislature — All the Colonies Aroused 5 BOOK SECOND.— 17G(M 773. Satan's Soliloquv— Pitt Prime Minister— Gets Sick— The Boston Mas-acT8— Royal Piety— Death of Whitefield .... 21 BOOK THIRD.— 1773-1770. Chatham is "Junius" — Boston's Tea Party — The Boston Purt Bill — Virginia Fasts — The South Feeds Boston — Gage Inclosed by a Human Wall — Dunmore Driven Out of Virginia — Battle of Lexington— Battle of Bunker Hill — British Driven from Boston— Declaration of Independ- ence — French Offers of Arms, Amnmnition, Money 44 BOOK FOURTH.— 1776-1783. Revolutionary Battles from Long Island to York town— Suf- ferings at Valley Forge — Plots Against Washington — Ar- nold's Treason — French Co-operate at Savannah — At Yorktown — Peace — Washington Resigns His Commantl. . G9 BOOK FIFTH.— 1787-1811. Constitutional Convention — No Power to Coerce States — Virginia Convention Disturbed by a Storm While Henry Speaks— A Tribunate of States Desirable— The Bargain between New England, Georgia, and the Carolinas — Washington Inaugurated — Satan's Scheme for War Be- tween the States — Jay's Treaty — Adams President — War with France— Alien and Sedition Laws — Jefferson Pres- ident — Louisiana Purchased — The Embargo — John Hen- ry and New England — Madison President 90 BOOK SIXTH.— 1811-1829. War — Battles from Tippecanoe to New Orleans — Hartford Convention — Peace — An International Court to Prevent War— Monroe President — Missouri Compromise — Florida Purchased — Texas Given Away— J. Q. Adams President —A High Tariff— Lafayette's Visit— Tariff Higher 115 (3) Ma7f>GG4 4 coy TENTS. BOOK SEVENTH.— 1829-18G0. pace Jackson President— A Gradual Reduction of the Tariff- Van Buren's Ascendency — Battle of ISan Jacinto — Van Bu- ren President — Slade's Petitions against Slavery — Satan's Boast — Harrison President — Tyler President — Texas to Be Annexed— The Magnetic Telegraph — I'olk President — Mexico Makes War — Is Conquered — Much of It An- nexed — A Tariii' for Revenue— tiold Discovered— Taylor President— Fillmore President — Clay's Coin])romise — Pierce President — Satan's Cyclone — Buchanan President — The Dred Scott Decision — John Brown at Harjjer's Fer- ry — Historic Discussion of Slavery 133 BOOK EIGHTH.— 18G0-18G2. South Carolina Secedes- Argument on the Folly of Seces- sion — On the Right to Secede— No Troops to Coerce States — A Nation's Immorality — Argument on the Nature of the Union — Lincoln President— Battles from Fort Sumter to Fredericksburg— Criticisms on Generals 158 BOOK NINTH — 18G2-1864. Battles from Fredericksburg to Nashville — Death of Stone- wall Jackson — The North Goes to the Bosom of John Brown— Onward and Skyward at Lookout — John H. Mor- gan — Georgians Banished from Their Homes as Chero- kees Were — Argument against Arson — Naval Conflicts. . . 181 BOOK TENTH.— 18G4-18G8. Bachman Ill-treated by Sherman's Hell-hounds — Richmond Keeping the Sabbath— Ford's Theater — Johnson Presi- dent — Davis a Vicarious Sufferer — Right or Wrong of Sla- very—The Guilty— Retribution— Cruel Treatment of Pres- ident Davis — Johnson Impeached — Alaska Acquired — Fire in Chicago— Boston — The North-west— Retribution- Black Friday— Tweed— Credit Mobilier— Grant President. 229 BOOK ELEVENTH.— 1876-1885. Centennial Exhibition — Pittsburg Railroad Riots — Argu- ment on Arson— On Labor and Capital— Taxation— Fi- nance, etc. — Hayes President — Garfield President — Dpath of Garfield — Arthur President — Burial of Emerson — The- ological Arguments 229 BOOK TWELFTH.— 1885-1890. Cleveland President — Reform in Civil Service — Discover- ies and Inventions — Burial of Grant — Harrison President — Michael's Sublime Visions of America's Future— Satan's Threats and Predictions— Politics— Enrich the Poor Without Impoverishing the Rich 255 THE HMERICflN EPIC BOOK FIRST. Scene: WcstminKter Ahbcij. Time, carhj mnrninri, ]\rrrr srooi'S to as eauldom. 27 I'll shatter all his nerves, disturb his brain, And lay hin\ on his bed in helplessness. Then his suboi'dinates, to please the king, May tax the colonists till discontent Shall i-ipon to rebellion and to war. Meanwhile, to keen Americans enraged, The venal Parlianient shall claim the right To tax them as it wills in any case, And in all cases whatsoever rule. So hatred shall burn on with bright'ning blaze. Satan. I thank you, Belial; your plan shall be mine. Let us depart. To Mammon we will leave The wordy worthies of the Parliament. He knows the current price of each in gold, In empty honors, or in offices. King George, with thirty millions, year by year, Stilf trades in men, in high-born Englishmen: All slaves to Mammon, under his control. There enters Townshcnd, and there William Pitt. After to-night, Pitt in the House of Lords Stoops to an earldom and a servant's place. Come, trusty comrades, let us now retire. Scene : Tfuufeor Cmtle, June 29, 1767. Satan, Baal, Azazel, ]\I A>r- MON, BkLUS. Sata7\. Companions of my grandeur and my toils, Heirs of dominions broad and limitless, Immortal monarchs of immensity, All empires, kingdoms, principalities Fade into insignificance before Th' expanding grandeur and magnificence Of our unequaled, glorious domains. Here is the palace of an earthly king. Clothed in the robes of human royalty, Enthroned and sceptered, ruling over men Of four great continents with sovereign sway. Among the sons of men his pow'r is great. But compared with ours less than a glow-AVorm's To the noonday sun's refulgent splendor. »?w^^^^^^^^^^^ I lllll'l I ' ; > , (28) GEonar: kvkhy jnc/i a a'/.vc;. 20 Bvlus. IIo owns more hind, but is not half so <^ivat As 1113^ oltl Bal)3'lonian worshipors, Kor arc his })alaecs so grand as theirs. Satan. Baal, you need not boast of Syria's kings, But tell me how your oral'ly ])hins succeed. Baal. When Chatham was again Prime J\Iinister, I feared the very Avorst that could occur To counteract our bold, malignant scliemcs. I counterworUed, with wonderl'ul success, His efforts to secure some jx)tent friends And allies in the north. Choiseul, of France, Outwitted the great man, which made him sick. His king distrusted him, and only wished To use him to humiliate the lords. The ])cople loved the simple name of Pitt. "When the great commoner became an earl, I taught them to be very much displeased ; ]iut wIkmi the odious Stamp act was repealed, The colonists gave honors to his name. Charleston set \\\) his statue, and the king Shared in great Chatham's popularity. New York set up his image, made of lead, But the soft metal can be turned to shot. For firing at his JMajesty's dragoons. The cabinet, with Chatham to direct, Would have conciliated colonists. But the giH?at earl went groaning to his couch, With shattered nerves and restless, aching head. George then, indeed, was cv'ry inch a king; King of his lords, commons, and colonists; And of his meek, subservient ministei's. The h'on-hcarted earl might from his lair Growl, or roar loudly in impotent rage; The meaner beasts desjiised his helpk^ssness. The royal kennel holds no yelpiiifr cur. No snapping mastiff to disturb the king: All fawn upon their inaster. At his will The}'' go or come, and his bi-oad collar wear. The unregrctted absence of their chief 30 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. X Leaves domineering Townslicnd to hold sway. Ciiinden and Shclburn, Conwu}', Eockingham, And even pious Dartmouth yield to him. Iin])ulsive, bold, quick", eloquent, and proud, I've used him for my fiendish ]tur])Oses, So as to tax tea, paper, paints, and glass. Satan. Aha! aha! King George shall quickly find Thorns in the bed of roses where he rests. Taxation soon shall change the gleeful tunes Now sung by grateful colonists to threats Of fearful vengeance against tyranny. Ti.e snuillest tax will rouse indignant men To stern resistance and to bloody deeds. Speak, Mammon, let us hear what you have done. Mammon. I have stirred up the colonists to strife About the right of Parliament to bind Them and their children through all time to come. The greedy courtiei's, and the lords of trade, And all the vulgar herd who toil for wealth, I have so worked upon that to their eyes The daz/ling brightness of a golden coin Outshines the noonday radiance of the sun. They'll sell their souls and hcav'nly hopes for gold. Satan. Azazel, what report have you to make? Asazel. I have inflated with such pride the king That to himself he's higher than the heavens And mightiest of all created ones. His wisdom's infinite, his right supreme. His smile can gladden earth and gild the skj\ He's prouder far than all the Eastern kings, Craving your pardon : " Proud as Lucifer." The old nobility I've so puffed up That vain, hereditary honors seem Superior to all inherent worth. All excellences that belong to man. Their smallest ancient privilege o'errides The most important rights of other men. For them and theirs they judge the world was made. Tnoops ix nosTox. 31 Old Encjland's literati I have moved To dip ill gall the keenest of their pens. T' asperse the colonists with bitter words. From old Sam Johnson to young Hannah More, They all agree to hate Americans. When some explosive spark shall kindle war, All classes hero will blaze with wrathful (lames. Satan. Comrades, our schemes work well. If Chat- ham lives And is restored to health, ho will not stoop To bandy idle words with such colleagues, Nor condescend to serve a king whose smile Approves bold Townshend's hase, unfaithful act. By which his gifted premier was betrayed. This hateful Tax hill soon must separate The statesman from both king and cabinet. When the insulted great man. shall withdraw, Grenville and Townshend's mercenary plans AVill banish peace and send forth horrid war To walk the earth with murder in his train. King George, Queen Charlotte, and their royal bahes Come this way, walking toward their place of prayer. Let us depart, and cross old ocean's waves. Scene: Boxton, near Faneuil Hall, October 1, 1768. Satan, T.Iaus, Mammox, Belial. Martial music, soldiers marching. Mars. Hark! hark! That music foils upon my ear Like martial sounds from ancient centuries. It wakes within me the mj^sterious joy With which 1 led old Nimrod from the chase Of fierce, wild beasts to that of fiercer men. I hear the measured tread of the well-drilled, Whose glorious trade is sanguinary war. Yes, here they march. That steady tramp recalls The grand achievements of the mighty men To whom I gave the conquering millions Of earth's early times. In memory's view Their gorgeous standards float above the heads Of empire builders going forth to war. '62 THE AMJjniCAy epic. Satan, what enemies has Britain hero Demanding such a warlike armament ? Satan. This will make foes of peaceful citizens: All signs ai'e ominous of bloody war. Ours is the task to huny on the fight. I shall exult to see the storm come down With lightning flashes from bright bayonets, And deep-toned thunder from the cannon's mouth; To see red torrents of warm, flowing blood, And hear war's music in the groans of men. To mc, 'twas worth ten thousand years in hell To witness one such battle at Blenheim. War's flashes gild with transitory beams The ever deep'ning darkness of my chains. Mammon, what news have you about the tax. The troops, the discontent, the threats of war ? Mammon. The people will not bear taxation now; They will not use an article that's taxed. They all make common cause against the right Of Parliament to tax Americans. They use as emblems of their unity, Sacred and true, the strength of banded sticks. Soldiers at New York, in a time of piece, Asked for support from those they came to enslave. This was refused. The right to legislate Was then withdrawn from the defiant men. From north to south the country was incensed, indignant people talked of human rights Existing ere a human law was made; Of sacred rights, God-given ; and above Thrones, Legislatures, and judicial courts Bold Samuel Adams even dared to s])eak Of independence as the people's right. The tools of tyranny became alarmed ; They asked for soldiers to protect themselves Against the unarmed friends of liberty. Belial. Dalrymplo came with two full regiments. Next month two more will come to join them there. TnOOrS DEMAND i^VAllTKliS. 33 Each soldier that wc sec has sixteen rounds Of deadly aniniunition to dischari^c. In bold bravado they march ]iroudly hero With glitfring bayonets, as if to probe The heart of Boston with their shining steel. J)alr3'niple, in his red coat, comes this way, Followed by Samuel Adams, freedom's friend. Satan. The people are insulted by demands For quarters and provisions for the troops That come to undermine their liberty. 'Twill not be long till folly yields its fruit In mad rebellion and in bloody war. Let us depart and wait expectantly. Scene: Boston Common, h)/ moonlight, March 4, 1770. Enter Satan, Baal, Molocu, INIamjiok, Belial, Sek^u'is, ]\lAr..s. Satan. Princes, potentates, powers! trusted, true! I seek your counsel as in league with me Against the hateful millions of mankind. The nations still are tranquil. Earth pours forth Iler plenteous harvest in the lap of peace. And joyful myriads walk in flow'ry paths. Ingloriously we sit; while envy, hate, And malice prey upon us. Kings, courtiers, Statesmen, I in vain have tried; and wasted Upon worthless demagogues wise counsels. Now let your wisdom^charm my list'ning ear. And teach me how to banish peace from men. Speak, Baal, let us hear what you propose. Baal. I still tempt men to war against the Lord, And bring his righteous judgments on themselves. Their sufferings then fill me with great delight. Satan. Moloch, my friend, say, what do you advise? Moloch. "With horrid superstitions is my work, Mv myriad victims perish day l\y day Along the banks of Congo, Niger, Nile, The Indus, Ganges, and the Iloang IIo; 34 THE AMERICAN EPIC. But Europe treats my counsels with disdain. No emperor, nor sultan, nor the king Of France or Spain or Naples listens now With satisfaction to the cries of pain And shrieks of anguish wrung from tortured men By superstition racked. Even the poj^o Seems to be wearied with the human groans That tell how worse than useless is the task That cruelly constrains all men to say That they will think, sjDeak, and believe alike. Mammon, report; say, what do you advise? Mammon. I tempt the covetous : king, cabinet, Lords, commons, and old England's populace Combine to madden and pi-ovoke to war The colonists, who all arc covetous. By persevering efforts in this line 'Twill not be long until they fight like dogs. Satan. You once were active, ancient Scrapis, Worshiped by millions on the banks of Nile. Serapis. Nor am I idle now, my worthy chief. The mighty Mississippi owned my sway, When a vile Spanish tyrant, moved by me, Slaughtered in cold blood the republicans Who tried self-government at New Orleans. I'll watch the lowlands. Spaniards led by me Became oppressors of the Netherlands. Satan. Mars, what have you to say? What have yon done ? Mars. I've seen Lord Chatham, full of lofty pride, Eesign his place in the king's cabinet; Witnessed the death of Townshend ; seen Lord North Become Prime Minister to please the king. In England stupid weaklings now bear rule, While in the colonies the wisest guide. I saw Virginia's House of Burgesses, With dignity and unanimity, By formal resolutions take the lead, boston's snowy liOUES r.IMODY. 35 Declarincj that they never would be taxed But by their own expressed aulliority. Nor should their fellow-citizens be tried But by a jury of the vicinage, Nor should a tyrant's troops bo quartered there. The other colonies fall into lino, Hoping to ci'own union with liberty. 1 have done nothing but await events. Satan. I have grown weary waiting for events. The king sends ammunition, soldiers, ships; Talks tln-eat'ningly, but hangs no traitor chief. The colonists resolve, defy, make threats j Talk bravely, but carefully do nothing. Belial, 'tis yours to strike the spark that soon Shall kindle blazing flames of horrid war. These troops are not all quiet, peaceful saints, Nor all these people meek as Moses was. In spite of learning, pride, and piety, Boston still breeds'among her citizens Certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, True sons of Belial, ready to your hand. Can you not artfully stir up your sons To silly actions and provoking words, By which to enrage the rash, impatient troops Till British lead stains Boston's streets with blood Drawn from the veins of yankee patriots ? Then will King George be called a murderer, And those who fall martyrs of liberty. What say you, Belial? Can the work be done? Belial. Yes, mighty chief, it can. To-morroAv night Shall see bright moonbeams playing on earth's robes Of snow-white purity, stained red with streams Of flowing human gore. Will that suffice? Satan. Yes, Belial, let the work of death begin. 'Twill fill all hearts with hatred and revenge, Providing for long years of bloody war. My trusty friends, let us be here to sec, And duly honor Belial for success. 36- THE AMElilCAN EPIC. Scene: Boston sidewalk near ilte court-house, March 5, 1770. Mve bleeding bodies are in sight. Cries of agony are heard from un- seen wounded men being carried airuy. Raphael, Zepiion, Zo- PHiEL, Ariel. Ariel. Why all this flowing blood ? The virgin snow Is rod with crimson blushes. On the air Comes agonizing cries, startling and sad, Filling the night with horror, promising A gloomy morning full of sighs and tears. Who killed these men? And why? Say, Eaphael What dreadful crime caused this grave tragedy? Raphael. The guilt of these rash murders, Ariel, Easts first on Satan, author of all sin. He stirs the hatreds that provoke tierce wars: His restless malice has been working here. Next, on the king and his Prime Minister. 'Tis shared in part by selfish governors, AVhose cowardice led them to ask for troops; In part by Capt. Preston and his men; In part, by sons of Belial on the street. The thoughtful people feared such scenes as this, And longed to see the regiments removed. To-night the rabble, with insulting words. Pressed on a sentinel; ho called for help. His comrades were defied, insulted, struck. Sticks, stones, snow, rubbish flying thick and fast, Provoked the soldier}^ to desp'rate deeds. One fell, another had his gun knocked up; They heard themselves called lobsters, cowards, knaves, Eogues, villains, dastards, slaves who did not dare To use their weapons in their own defense. Then came the fatal order. At the flash, Gruilty and innocent together fell. The dead and dying and the soldiery AVho fired the fatal shots that laid them low Were quite too ignorant to understand Or know the cause of their most cruel strife. Untaught in ethics, law, or statesmanship, These slaves of blind resentment shoot, or fall; Yot this dark deed may sever all the ties li'OVAL I'lKTV. That bind these States to England and lici- kinir, May make of the best people in the world Most bitter enemies, though now they're I'ricnds. But there are Warren, Otis, and a crowd Of most indignant, irate citizens. They understand the questions in dispute. They say a freeman taxed without consent Is but a milder name for robbcr3^ They will pay taxes levied by themselves Or their own chosen repi'esentatives. No act of Parliament shall confiscate The property that they have earned and saved. It was no act of Parliament that sent Their brave forefathers to this distant land. The settlers came as freemen. Protected By the common law of England and all The muniments of British liberty, They claimed their birthright as inherited. True to old England, loyal to their king. They took up arms and freely shed their blood For Britain's glory and her king's domains; With their own money fed and clothed themselves, So long as Britons found a foe to fight. Their sons will freely fight for Britain still, But not be driv'n as mercenary slaves. They say to quarter soldiers in this town In time of peace is cruel tyrann}^, An insult and an outrage and a farce, Ending to-night in bloody tragedy. Zophiel. How unexpected this has been to me! 'Tis but a few short years since with delight I gazed admiringly on Britain's king And on his dutiful and pious queen. The old abuses and disgraceful sins, Brought o'er the sea from Hanover, had ceased ; 'No more was heard the drunken revelry. The oaths profane, the vulgar, ribald Jests, Nor seen th' outrageous, brazen harlotry That long disgraced the royal palaces. The king and queen bowed to the King of kings, 38 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. Most humbly and devoutly worshiping; While multitudes, by their cxtimplc led, Paid meek devotion to the Lord most high. The royal children, early taught to pray, Won ev'ry heart that saw their loveliness. All holy angels loved to linger near, And wait upon the blissful heirs of life. From the home circle of chaste royalty Virtue and decency walked forth to ble.ss Millions with holy, conjugal delights, In the pure homes of jDCople of all ranks. V, Zephon. I saw the fine arts yield to royalty Their grateful homage and obedience, And imitate the chaste and decent court. Handel and Haydn sent sublimest strains Of heav'nlj^ music ringing round the world. Obscenity and folly fled away From halls of music, pure and undefilcd. Reynolds and West to glowing canvas gave, In fairest features and most perfect forms, The grandest charms of manhood's majesty, And beauty's blooming loveliness unveiled. Yet brought no burning blush to virtue's check. From heathen haunts and pagan practices, The muse of poetry turned quite away, With chaste and lofty thoughts and ringing Avords T' inspire Johnson and Goldsmith, Beattie, Gray, and Cowper. To good Charles Wesley gave Songs fit for seraphs near th' eternal throne, That charm the ear, that thrill and melt the heart, Inspire devotion, till the classic muse Goes singing like a modest Methodist, To win for Christ the millions of mankind. Great Chatham was the king's Prime Minister, Who drove domestic discord from the land, And gave his monarch thrones in loyal hearts. Prosperity and loyalty and love, With gleeful gladness, hand in hand rejoiced. All foreign foes were vanquished and in peace. The savacro Indians of the western wilds T.ix.irjox Axi> jiuxji). 39 Most gladl}' owned Kin;^ George's sovereignty, "They buried tomahawks and sealping-knives, And planted over them the tree of peace." Th' uncounted millions of old Asia's sons Began to seek protection 'neath his flag. Far distant lands and isles of cv'ry sea Waited for England's colonies and laws; But now disorder reigns. Red-handed war, With gory banners, frights the trembling land. Please tell me, Eaphacl, why this mournful change? liaphael. Zephon, this melancholy change has sprung From stubborn pride and greedy selfishness. When Pitt had laid the world at Britain's feet. The cost of such great triumphs must be paid. The question was, by whom ? Wise statesmanship Could see broad streams of richest revenues Deep'ning their channels toward the treasury; But Pitt no longer ruled the prosp'rous land. Unlawful taxes laid on colonists, Instead of lawful taxes on themselves, Was what the king and cabinet proposed. This roused the colonists. Fi'om bad to worse The government has gone. To-night we see Most bloody fruits of selfish arrogance. The full, red harvest ripens rapidly, And fearful retribution marches on To punish Britain's pride and selfishness. Scene: Front of John Street Church, New York, v:ith Trinity Church in view by moonlight, October 5, 1770. Raphael, Akiel, Uzziel, Zephon. Raphael. The snowy robes of Boston stained with blood Of slaughtered citizens in peaceful times Drew forth our sj-mpathies when last we met. Since then, where have you ministered? what seen? Ariel. The dwellings of the saints have been my care. I have seen many Eastern colonists, Have watched their struggles, helped them in distress, 40 THE AMERICAN EPIC. And poured cclcstiivl comforts into hearts That throbbing sunk in hopeless agony. My latest most delightful work has been By Whitefield's death-bed, and with his freed soul, His escort to the paradise of God. With work well done he rested from his toils, And like a weary child he fell asleep. Not taking time to talk of works or grace. Friends watched his latest hours, and gently laid His mortal body near the sacred desk From which he loved to tell of saving grace. Two continents seem orphaned by his death; Their wailing lamentations now are heard. Please tell me of your labors and your cares. Raphael. The Southern sea-coasts I have visited, From far Savannah to the Chesapeake Thousands whose burning brows have felt my touch Drive off the fever fiend, and heal the wounds His fiery feet had made, rejoice to-day; And thousands more, cast down by many cares. Now lift their heads in Christian cheerfulness. Zephon, report what you have seen and done. Zephon. Along the deep, broad rivers of the A7cst, I've sought the "hunters of the wilderness And carried comfort to their rude, rough homes; But I beheld in Western Maryland A sight so gi-and 'tis worth reporting here. 'Twas in a frontier cabin. Death approached And called its brave defender to depart. The husband, father, neighbor said farewell To weeping loved ones whom he soon must leave; Then, with a shout of triumph over death. Set his firm foot upon the tyrant's neck. And with ecstatic rapture passed away To endless life, forever with the Lord. Three days of solemn, joyful mourning passed, And holy men took up their comrade's corpse. No bell was counting out his years below; But through the grand old woods rung out such sounds A CIIUISTIAN's m'lUAL. 41 As nono Init Christ's most holy ones c-ouUl raise. Such thrilling tones, pathetic and Huhlime, So full of gracious fervor, could not H]>ring From voices that had not been tuned Ity grace. Slowl}', with measui-ed, reverential Htc])s, The train moved onward to the Christian's grave, Still bravel3^ singing in heroic lays The song triumphant of victorious faith: "Eejoice for a brother deceased; Our loss is his infinite gain; A soul out of prison released, And freed from his bodily chain: With songs let us follow his flight. And mount with his spirit above. Escaped to the mansions of light, And lodged in the Eden of love." Arid. Please tell us more about those singing saints "Who thus def)' the keenest darts of death. And raise glad shouts of vict'iy o'er the grave. JJzziel. Ten 5'ears ago, there came to Marjland An Irishman, of lowly, humble birth. But being " born again" — born from above — Though poor in purse, was very rich in faith. This child of God — heir of immensity — Has called mankind to share his heritage. Heeding his invitation with delight, His humble neighbors sought like precious faith, Are children of their God in very deed. Crowned with divincst honor, wealth, and jiower. Death owns his conquerors in such as these. "When Eobert Strawbridge, called of God to preach, Asked for a license under Wesley's hand, 'Twas not believed that such a man could lay The broad foundations of the greatest Church Known to this Western world for centuries To come. But so it was. In the same year. Two other families of the same faith Came from the same given isle and landed here. Six years of modest dillidence passed by, 42 THE AMERICAN EPIC. While secret prayers ascended from their hearts. Then others came to join the holy band. Brave Barbara Heck moved Philip Embury To preach the gos2)el to these emigrants. At first a few, then crowds came out to hear. Soon Captain Webb came down from Albany, True soldier of the cross, with sword in hand, In his red regimentals gayly clad. ROBERT STRAWBItinGE. Entered the pulpit, laid at Jesus' feet The glittering steel, and with a giant's strength AAHelded the Holy Spirit's two-edged sword. This lowly, humble temple is the place Where these religious ]>cople meet to-night. And yet another, worthy of all praise. Has come to join them in their loving work. ANGKLS AM) SAISTS. 43 lie goes to wave the blazing torch of truth Where it first flashed upon this continent, Held in the hands of Hunt and Whitakcr, Assisted by the greatest of John Smiths. 'Tis Robert Williams. He's Virginia's own. See at his side young Francis Asbury, Destined to lead the hosts of Methodism; And there is Embury, here Barbara Heck, The noblest of them all. There Captain Webb, Who lost an eye while fighting gallantly When Wolfe fell, crowned with vict'iy, at Quebec. Let us go in and worship with them here. BOOK THIRD. Scene: Heights of liichviond, Aj>ril 2, 1773. Michael, Gabriel, Ithuriel. Gabriel. Iluil, prince of our angelic brotherhood, Guardian of empires and great statesmen's guide, This day Virginia's burgesses have crowned, With unexampled glory and renown. This noblest of all noble commonwealths; "With reverential love and lofty pride They led their young majestic mother forth, Blooming and fair, in beauteous gracefulness, To hold her bright, impenetrable shield Between her trembling sisters and their foe. This must be " freedom's home or glory's grave." No room is found for craven dastards here. Michael. Gabriel, your admiration is deserved; I share it with you. But a selfish world Oft takes advantage of the generous. The time may come when those she now defends "Will, quite forgetful of all gratitude, Trample upon the compact made by States, And gather millions from the teeming ]^[orth To subjugate this little, lovely town. Or sweep creation for a hireling host, To lay "V'irginia's beauty in the dust. Ithuriel. In such a case her stalwart sons would fight As men in armies never fought before. Her fairest fields they'd fertilize with blood. And send swift retribution on her foes. But I forbear to scan futurit}^. Foreknowledge does not now belong to us: 'Tis with the present that wo have to do. (44) CHATHAM }VAS "JUNIUS." 45 Thi;^ latest action taken here to-day AVill unity and organize defense. The colonists in constant intercourse Will act in concert to resist all wrongs, Or, possibly, for independence strike. The busy printing-press gives active aid To those defending civil liberty. The ''Farmer's Letters" by John Dickinson, Pour tloods of light upon the public mind, And teach great truths in a most winning Avay. Ahdiel. The pen of Junius, "keen and dipped in gall," Punctures abuses most relentlessly. But why docs he conceal his skillful hand ? Who is he? What is his own pro2)er name ? Gabriel. Abdiel, opinions differ as to that. I only give you mine for wdiat it's worth. One man alone can use such forceful words: 33ut one in reputation's rich enough To bo so prodigal of fame as not To claim the honor of such authorship. But one knew all the secrets he reveals, While mercilessly lashing ministers And even his most gracious Majesty. One man, and only oric, could feel — could make Ilis burning words express — such lofty pride. Such grand, imperious, disdainful scorn Of high-born littleness in seats of power. That man is Chatham. " Junius" did not write Till after Chatham left the cabinet. The sick man's comforts, his domestic joys, His social rank were chains of gratitude He could not break, though duty sternly called For patriot toils to save a sinking State. Even the great man's title then proclaimed His deep indebtedness to George the Third. The unknown "Junius" gave the unfettered sti-ength Of Pitt's unequaled genius to mankmd To save them from the follies of the times. The more completely to conceal his hand 46 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. He praised himself. So, of necessity, "Junius" must rest in Chatham's honored grave. Michael. Among these gifted backwoods burgesses Are men whose honored names shall soon outshine Illustrious Chatham's^on the list of fame; WILLIAM PITT, EARL OP CHATHAM. And one, the peerless name of "Washington, Shall stand confessed the highest of mankind. Behold ! The noblest of the human race! Scene: Boston, in front of the old South Church, at night, December 15, 1773. Satan, Belial, Azazel. Satan to Belial. My trusty friend, I need your services. This question of taxation, simplified, Turns now on tea ah:)ne. The Parliament BOSTOX TEA I'AltTV. 4tJ Ami king bid the obedient merchants send Cheap tea to teni]it weak colonists to buy. Cliarleston, New York, and riiihulelphia Have kept the teniptiui^; leaves tVoni cheerful homes; But Hutchinson, to enrich liis seltisli sons, Wouhl s^-ladly ,<,nve Bostonians all they want. Mammon (leiiii;hts to help the covetous. He would not have a single leaf destroyed. To you I therefore come. What can you do? Belial. To-morrow night the citizens meet here To talk of grievances and remedies. I will bring fifty of my chosen sons, Arrayed as Indians, to destroy the tea. The crowd shall follow us to Griffin's Wharf; AYe'U seize the tea and throw it in the dock. This great "tea party" long shall be renowned. The king, intoxicated with its fumes, Shall loose his dogs of war against this town, And wreak his vengeance on its citizens. Azazel. Will that bring on the war so much desired, Or Boston be the only sufferer? Satan. We can but try it. Here to-raorrow ni';ht We come to witness Belial's great success. Scene: Boston, in front of the old South Church, at nujht, Decanber 16, 1773. Satan and Azazel approach. Satan. Ho ! Belial, where are now your fifty men ? Belial. Satan, they restless sit amid the crowd, Waiting our signal to begin their work. Satan. Belial, give them the expected signal now. Belial. Satan, that's all arranged and understood: There's one within who will attend to that. Come with me now to Griffin's Wharf before The crowd comes rushing and the fray begins. Scene: Griffin^s Wharf. Belial to Satan and Azazel. Step with me on this elevated spot. Whence we can see destructive work go on. 48 THE AMERICAN EPIC. The war-whoop sounds and hundi-eds rush tliis way. The work begins; the tea is seized; the chests Are emptied in the foaming waves and sink. Now, Satan, can you praise my handiwork ? Satan. Belial, I can. But we must cross the sea. Our work is incomplete until the king Grows furious and begins to sti'ike his foes. Scene: Front of the palace, January 11, 1774. Satan, Azazel, Belial, Mammon. Satan. The privy council met the king to-day To talk of letters that have passed between Hillsboro and the royal governor. Petitions from the colonists have come Demanding the removal of their foes — For such they count their governor, their judge; And by those letters prove that enmity Eeigns in the hearts of those high officers. The king and his advisers do not deign To notice such petitions for relief The ministers were troubled, and would learn Who 'twas that told state secrets out of school. Each charged another with the grave offense. And duels might have shed their noble blood If nobler Franklin had not helped his foes By telling them 'twas he that sent the news. The cabinet became enraged at him And said he must appear before King George. Belial, your matchless talents I require. These high-born dignitaries of the realm Furnish lewd fellows of the baser sort. Lower in vulgar vices than the scum Fermenting m the slums of wretchedness. One, Wedderburne, belongs to this vile class. On this he-harpy try your utmost skill. Let fangs and talons rend old Franklin's heart; Bid weaker vultures share the hateful feast Until King George shall sicken at the sight. Meanwhile, Azazel, go stir up the king Until his rage exceeds all decent bounds; Then meet me here again in eighteen days. FRAXKLIN TlilZ'MPIlS. 49 Scene : Front of the palace, by moonUglU, January 20, 177/f. Satan, Belial, Azazkl. Belial. My honored chief, 3' our deep-laid plot works well. Franklin was present by the king's command; Base Wedderburne in rudest wrathfulness Hurled at him accusations, insults, threats, And every word}' weapon he could find In the whole armory of hunuin speech. Dignified and brave, unmoved by malice, Unsubdued by fear, unawed by all the Frowns of royalty or threats of j)ower. The hero told them most unwelcome truths. The laughing lordlings and ungracious king Were dwarfed before this wise man of the West. Satan. Azazel, what have you to toll to-night ? Was royalty submissive to your wall ? Azazel. More than submissive to all fiendish schemes For crushing the rebellious colonists. Alas ! poor king, he is insanely mad Against all persons who resist his will. Satan. This but promotes our hellish purposes, And promises a long, long, cruel strife. To-night peace spreads her snow-white wings for flight, While howling hatred calls for bloody war. Belial. Say, Satan, is my latest work approved ? Satan. It is. I give you my most hearty thanks. But there remains another work for you: Gage is in London. He must see the king And fill him with vain hopes of victory. To you I trust him : work him to your will By hast'ning on the conflicts that must come. These men deceive each other and themselves ; Wo understand them and are not deceived. How despicable is all hunuin pride! How inconsistent man's most lauded acts! 4 50 THE AMERICAX EPIC. Not twenty months ago these islanders Boasted most loudly of the liberty Conferi-ed by Mansfield on one negro slave A Massachusetts man had landed here. Cheap charity, without expense, could free Another's slave and glory in the deed, Singing loud songs about philanthropy, Boasting of freedom and of English air Inhaled by slaves to give them liberty. We laugh to scorn such bold, pretentious boasts, While Parliament and king for paltry gold Encourage merchants still to trade in slaves. Yes, judges, legislators, and the king Turn a deaf ear to accents of distress In which Yirginia begs to be relieved From the accursed slave trade and its woes. The horrid traffic, with its burning shame, Still brings bright blushes to her glowing cheeks, As such vile merchandise pollutes her shores. Mansfield approaches. North is by his side. Scene : House of Lords after adjournment, March IS, 1774. Satan, Baal, Maes, Azazel, Belial. Satan. My great compeers, we've triumphed hereto-day. The Boston Port bill passed and is approved. An empire wreaks its vengeance on a town ; Blockades its ports, removes its government. Fills it Avith soldiers, starves its citizens: (Those of them that it does not choose to hang) To this king, lords, and commons have agreed. Baal. Satan, this must be quite an easy task Imposed upon themselves: an hour's pastime. How many people are there in the town ? Satan. When full, not more than sixteen thousand souls; But now, with numbers frightened and away. Soldiers outnumber quiet citizens. Belial. Then why not go to hanging instantl}', And end the troubles of the trembling town? M()[-L'.\L\<: AMKUWA. 51 Azazcl. That is u g-uino uttoiided by great risks. More than two niilMoMs threaten to take part In such proceedings, if tliey once begni. Satan. Ila! Comrade Mars, great gallant god of war! I see the smile that lights your countenance. Make ready for the strife : there's work for you. To Massachusetts let us wend our way. Scene: Market Street Wharf, Philadelphia, June 1, 1771. Flags on shipping at half-mast; crape on closed houses ; mn^jled idls idtliiiij. Abdiel, Ituukiel, Zei'hon, Uzziel, RaI'JIAEL. Zephon. What moans these signs of mourning, those sad sounds That echo like the dirge of some lost soul? Has death struck down the monarch on his throne? Do continents lament their loss to-day? Abdiel. Death in a palace brings no gloom like this; 'Tis liberty has died, and millions mourn. These half-mast flags, these melancholy bells, Those crape-clad dwellings, and those solemn throngs, Proclaim the indignation and distress That patient Pennsylvania feels to-day Because the Boston Port bill is enforced. Ithuriel. Virginia fasts, and lifts her solemn prayers For help from God against the enemies Of human freedom and the rights of man. She summons a convention of her sons To choose a delegation that shall meet A Continental Congress in this place. She calls back liberty to life again, Eeady to arm brave sons in her defense, Making one nation of these colonies. Abdiel. Comrades, Virginia lives in quietness. So do the other Southern colonies; Their ports are not blockaded, nor their towns Beleaguered b}^ a hostile soldiery. With lords of trade they have no rivalries, No ships of theirs the rich eiave trade divide With merchants of old England. Salem, Boston, 62 THE AMERICAN EPIC. And New York provoke the jealousy of Liverpool and Bristol for its profits. Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore Send out no ships for captured Africans. Those Southerners are favorites of the king. He does not ask the heads of their great men, Nor would he have them sent across the sea. Why, then, does Boston rouse their sympathies So that they risk their all in her defense? JJzziel. Thus all the colonies make common cause Against the right of king and Parliament To tax them all without their own consent; To rule them in all cases; quarter troops On them in time of ]>eace; to transport men Across the sea for trial. If Boston Suffers now without redress, why may not Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, whenever Whims of tyrants may demand? Their innate, Ilome-hred love of liberty, law, justice, Impels them to contend for human rights. Raphael. That doubtless is the truth; but gratitude. Stronger than bands of steel, must ever bind New England to the people of the South. Their interests she will guard as if her own; Wrongs done to them she'll hasten to redress; Insults to them must be insults to her, Her loving-kindness their rich heritage. Ahdiel. After the coming Congress shall convene, Let us meet here again at duty's call. But see, there comes this way John Dickinson: The " Farmer's Letters" flowed from his keen pen. Scene: In front of Carpenter'' s Hall, Philadelphia, October 25, 1774 AbDIEL, iTHURIfiL, RAPHAEL, ZoPHIEL, ZePHON. Ahdiel. The Congress has completed its great work: Will soon adjourn to meet again in May. Such wisdom, prudence, boldness, .bravery Earth never saw before in any land. UNITY TL'Ii'MJ'IlAXT. 53 They buried bigotry. Opposing sects Built on his grave the ultar of our (Joel. Tliey banished selfishness, and in l>is place, Enthroned triumphant, love-erowned unity, They came to speak of grievances endured By persecuted, (struggling colonies; They go, the representatives and chiefs Of millions that refuse to bo oppressed. JOHN WYCKLIFFE. U::ziel Comrades, if that be so, why do they not Cast oft* the British yoke and rule themselves? Ithuriel Their gen'rous hearts retain a ling'rin.'^ I Of Britain, as the happy home of their Ecvered forefathers. They share lier ghny, Jler renown inherit. ITer might}' arm Subdues all foreign foes, and is a sure Defense for all on whom she deigns to smile. 64 THE AMEBIC A ^'^ EPIC. They love her ancient laws, and dare to hojio For the repeal of those tyrannic acts That now oppress them. Some are not ready For the final step to independence. Self-government will come. They wisely wait For full consent and unanimity. To freedom's friends this comes with quick'ning speed. The wrongs that euff'ring Boston now endures Awaken indignation in all hearts. Some, praying, call aloud for heav'nly help; Others, with wrath, hurl fierce anathemas At the hard-hearted king and ministers. Zeplion. But who provides for Boston's families, And drives the wolf of famine from their homes? Raphael. The harvests of a continent are theirs, Laid at their feet by patriotic hands. Gadsden, of Carolina, Avas the first Whose gen'rous heart responded to their wants. His crop of rice was liberty's first-fruits. By union bi'ought to freedom's sacred shrine; Then followed the rich products of broad fields Froni. AUeghanian heights to ocean's shore. Boston most gratefully records these gifts, Sent in her hour of need from Southern soil. All time shall witness with approving smiles The tokens of her loving gratitude. Gadsden and Charleston shall be household woi'ds, Honored and loved beyond all other names. Zophiel. 'Tis less than half a year since General Gage, With colors flying and with booming guns, Sailed into Boston Harbor with eclat; Then through the perfumed air of flow'ry May, Escorted by cadets that Hancock led, He marched in triumph to the state-house square; In Fanneil Hall dined with the ]Kitriots, Assured them that " the ti'oubles of the times Were only lovers' quarrels," and would end In halycon da^'s 6f loving happiness. A II UMAX WALL. 55 While llnis (li.ssoniblin<>;, ho was ])lc(l.<^c(l to send Their leading men as pris'ners o'er the sea To meet the vengeance of their irate king. JJzziel. Does his pretense of friendshij) still deceive? Or has he dropped the mask that hid his hate? Ahdiel. His gleosomc gala days are ended now. Prison bounds restrain his wonted freedom. His troops to narrow limits are confined: A living, human wall forbids escape. Broad as Kew England now he sees it rise, And firmer than her frowning granite hills. His civic honors, his vice-regal powers, And all the glory of supreme command Hide not the horrors of his dismal fate. Escape by sea would lead to dire digrace; He dai'e not venture upon hostile acts. In vain he fortifies against his foes: His piteous cries for help in his great need Burden the west Avinds and disturb the king. It is not " Boston's rabble" he now fears; ''Substantial citizens" arise in arms. He asks that peaceful counsels may prevail; Demands more troops — English or Scotch, Irish Or mercenary Germans, negro slaves, Canadian Fi-cnch or Indian savages — To save him in this dread extremity. Without more ti'oops to fight the colonists, Ingloriously idle he remains. Shut up in Boston with his well-drilled men. Sees bold Virginians boldly take up arms, Drive hostile Indians from their heritage. And firmly hold their own with steel-clad hands Against King George and Frenchmen of Quebec. The boundless acres of the witl'ning West As to their fathers giv'n are still their own. Zephon. Did the mad king give Canada those lands? 'Ahdiel. He did. His hatred of the colonies Was stronger than his bitter bigotry. 56 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Prompting vain efforts to convey the lands Of true Virginia English Protestants To Roman Catholics of French Quebec, Trying to check the Old Dominion's growth By this mad folly of an insane king. Even Dunmorc, the Tory governor, Saw with delight Virginians driving back King George's Indians and Canadians. But see, the Congress now hast just adjourned. There's Washington, Lee, Henry, Jefferson, John Adams, Livingston, Gadsden, and Jay, And Samuel Adams, who was first to see The sun of independence in the east. Undying fame leads them to lofty heights Of high renown and immortality. Scene : Front of St. John's Church, Richmond, Va., April 2, 177.'>. Michael, Gabriel, Ithuriel, Abdiel. Michael. Guardians of nations, comrades tried and true, The dawn of independence now appears Prom the St. Lawrence down to Florida. The eastern skies are glowing with its light. While frontier settlers in the distant West With exultation hail the bright'ning beams. Chatham and Burke have eloquently plead With lords and commons for colonial rights; But their appeals have both been made in vain. Franklin returns to tell his countiymen That Britain spurns their representative. The royal governors retire in haste. Or give their king's commissions to the flames. Ithuriel. Michael, the breezes from the distant North Come burdened with reports of horrid war. 'Tis said that thirty thousand freemen armed Toward Boston now are marching rapidly; That Gage cannot escape but by the sea; That his drilled troops, whipped by provincial boys, Seek safety in intrench ments and in forts. Abdiel. This colony to-day resolves to arm Her stalwart sons to fight for liberty. DVXMOIIK DliJVKX A WAV. 57 Loo, Washington, Henry, and Jefferson Aro to devise the military phm By which Virginia's troops shall take the field. Lord Dunmore threatens to burn up hei- towns, Arm slaves, and bid them desolate her homes; Give to the gallows leading citizens, To scalping-knives the tresses that adorn The loveliness of youth and innocence. Ho thinks that with three thousand stand of arms, Four pieces of artillery at hand, Three thousand saucy, well-fed negro slaves, His brave marines and Indian savages He can subdue these freemen. What say 3'ou ? Gabriel. I say these patriots despise his threats. Ithuriel. Five thousand men, the bravest of the bravo, Are ready now to drive him to his ships. 58 THE AMEI^ICAS EPIC Michael. The Con<^rcss meets in May. Let us remain And meet at Alexandria on llic road. Thence we can travel with the delegates To witness the proceedingt^ and debates. Scene: Alexandria, Va., May 1, 1775. Michael, Gabriel, Ab- DIEL, ItHURIEL, Michael. Comrades, I hail you happy on your way To the fair city where the Congress meets. Georgia, with but three thousand lighting men, Sees on her soil ten thousand Indian braves, Eeady, for British gold, to slay her sons; Yet does not hesitate in freedom's cause To seize five hundred pounds of gunpowder That had been stored in the king's magazine; And further, to defy his Majest}^, Sends to I'cbellious Boston rice and gold. Abdiel. South Carolina by heroic deeds Defies Great Britain and her hireling hosts; Lays hold upon eight hundred stand of arms, With ammunition and rich army stores, Eeady for independence or for war. North Carolina is in arms to-daj^ : Her governor, a fugitive, makes haste To leave the land that spurns his tyrann3^ Gabriel. List to the martial music on the air! Virginia's Congressmen are coming uow. Escorted to the border of their State By the brave men who drove Lord Dunmorc out. The journey of these statesmen toward the North Has now become a grand triumphal march. Applauding thousands hail the conquerors. Victorious over boasting tyranny. They drove the British regulars in fight. And did not lose a single combatant, While the redcoated officers were slai)i Till English blood had fertilized the soil. They forced the braggart governor to pay BATTLE OF LKXISCTOX. ij\ For their State's powder which ho basely stole ; Then drove the terror-stricken wretch to seek With hasty steps a refu,t>;e on his ships. The fiendish vandal, filled with hellish hate, Gave Norfolk to the ilames as he passed b}'. 'Twas well Avith fire to purity the spot AVhero his foul foot last touched the sacred soil. His and his master's last otficial act In this, the purest of all commonwealths, Forced its protesting citizens to bear, For England's glory and emolument. The vile, polluting horrors that belonged To the dark slave-trade which their souls abhorred. But royalty and loyalty depart And false philanthrojiy is following To keep the trio out; Eandolph and Bland Have just sold forty slaves, that they may buy Powder to drive the slave-ships of King Georgo Far from their honest, flourishing young State And free New England from his galling yokr. Scene: Lexington, Mass., before day, April 10, 1775. Satax, Baai Moloch, Mars. Satan. Hail ! princes of my more than royal court. Bold leaders of my brave embattled hosts! The conflict we have waited for begins. There's Paul Eevcre. He's riding in hot haste To warn the watchful sons of liberty. December saw him rousing Sullivan, Who captured Cochrane and a royal fort And carried off its powder and its arms. This action of the bold New Hampshire men Has led King George to order General Gage To seize all anus aiid ])owder to be found Among his rash rebellious colonists. Obedient to this order of the king, Gage sent out Major Pitcairn and some troops IT])on a midnight search to capture stores. But Paul Revere outrides the royalists, And fighting men are gath'ring at his call. Wives arm their husbands, mothers their young sons. 60 THE AMERICAN EPIC. The}'- como through by paths, lanes, and fields and woods To battle for the loved ones of their homes Against the hireling hosts of tyranny. Baal. See! There is Pitcairnwith his well-armed men, Confronting these defiant, rustic youths. He gives the order that begins the war; He calls them rebels, tells them to disperse. Behold those flashes! hear the sharp reports! The rustics fall: seven have ceased to breathe, Nine others from red wounds pour out their lives. Hark! hark! Death flies upon the morning breeze! The red-coats fall! The boasting Britons flee In wild disorder from their untrained foes. Vengeance awaits them whereso'er they turn. They rally, they stand firm, and standing die. Mars. Ha-ha! Ha-ha! This, this, indeed, is war. I revel in delight amid such scenes. Satan. I join you in your reveling. Hell howls Eesponsively to jubilations loud. With us it joins to gloat on human woe. Moloch. Pitcairn and Smith and their brave followers Took ammunition from their enemies, But it came through the muzzles of their guns And kept them from arresting patriots. So Samuel Adams cannot now be hanged, Nor must John Hancock die for his good deeds. Scene: Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, June 15, 1775. INTrciiAEL and Gabriel. Michael. What think you, Gabriel, of this Congress now? Gabriel. Michael, its wisdom is most wonderful. So patient, yet so firm against all wrong. It was a master-stroke of policy That placed proscribed John Hancock in the clmir. Virginia, through the lips of Harrison, Thtis told King" George with hearty emphasis: liVNKKR HILL. 61 " Your royal fury cannot strike tliis man Till our strong arms arc laid in patriots' i^raves." To-day John Adams named George Washington To bo the chief commander of all troops Raised by the colonies for their defense. Already thirty thousand rush to arms To claim New England for their stalwart sons. The Congress calls for twenty thousand more; But independence is the only path Which leads to freedom on this continent. Here comes the modest hero who commands The armies that defend America. See how the holy angels guide his steps And shield him from the dangers that surround! Scene: Bunker Hill, Mass., June IS, 1775. Satan, I'll a::.-, ^Moloch, jMammon. Satan. Companions of mj- life, partners in toil, The triumphs of these times are justly yours. I hail you victors on this tield of fame, And add my plaudits to the well-earned praise Hell's countless legions thunder in your ears. The bloody battle fought on yesterday Involves mankind in years of bitter strife. 'Twas 3'our contrivance that laid low in dust More than fourscore of Britain's officers; The tlow'r and pride of England's chivalry, By rustic hands unskilled in arts of war, That gave to death three British regulars For each provincial that in battle fell. Humiliation, such as England bears, Will drive to desperation those who rule. A cry for vengeance will ring through the realm Ruled by the baffled, disap])ointed king — Vengeance and rage that will not count the cost In cash, or tears, or blood, or agony. Moloch, you shall see blood in torrents flow. While fearful shi-ieks and groans shall charm your ears. Brave Mars, embattled hosts in many a field To you rich harvests of deliglit sluill yield. 62 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. Ho! Mammon, why are you so thoughtful grown? Why melancholy, mid our revelry? Mammon. 'Tis not that men are hated less by me, Not that I less delight in human woe; But the destruction of their treasured hoards Consumes the bait with which I fish for souls. I saw them die in agony, and laughed; But when the flames licked up and turned to dust Charlestown's four hundred dwellings and their wealth, 'Twas a sad sight to see such willful waste Of what I could have used to ruin souls. War huiTies men to death in tender youth, Untutored in the worst of villainies; Wealth schools in vice and graduates in crime, While hearts grow harder than the hoarded gold. Wealth leads to war that's worthy of the name, And peoples hell with its worst denizens. Give me the time to make these rustics rich. Then they will glut war's strongest appetite. You well remember how old Nineveh, Tyre, Babylon, Damascus, mighty Eome, Had wealth worth fighting for, and fearful crimes: Were rich, ripe, rotten, filled with wasting spoils. When cow-boy armies plunder villages, What honor has great Mars, the god of war? When Alexander reaped old Asia's fields. Harvests of glory round his footsteps fell. Mars. Mammon, to work out ruin for your friends, You can iriiprove uncounted centuries; But war is now the order of the day. And hast'ning thousands swiftly rush to arms. One man like Warren, upon Bunker Hill, Outweighs the worth of countless stores of gold. Even his ashes centuries to eome Shall still inspire the bravest, noblest deeds. Know ye that when Ticonderoga fell The king lost what had cost his treasury Eight millions sterling and vast army stores, With sixscoro pieces of artillery? WASIlIXdToX COMMANDED. 63 Crown Point surroiulered two dtiy.s uftervvavd. 11' Etluin Allen, loadini^ fourscore men, Wrouij^ht such destruction in a few brief hours, Uncounted millions must most freely blaze As tiery-footed war walks through the land. Satan. Comrades, your dispuiation profits not. Since men destroy each other, we exult. Be ours the task to kee)) their hate iidlamed, And urge them on to deeds of violence. Conquer who ma}', ours is the victory. Mars. There's Prescott, who commanded on that hill; There Gridley, his accomplished engineer, And Israel Putnam, brave as man can be. Scene : American encampment, near Boston, July 10, 1775. Satan and Mars. Mars. What mean the acclamations that we hear? They sound like joyous shouts of men in arms. Has a detachment gained a victory, Or does the royal army leave the place? Satan. Not so. The chosen chief of thirteen States Peviews the troops placed imder his command. The patriot army hears, for the first time. The wise and weighty words of the great man Who leads them forth to vict'ry or defeat. To-day they all seem jubilant and proud, Defying Britain's king and Parliament And all the forces they may have to meet. Let them crow on. These game birds soon shall set Their sharp, strong spurs to drawing kindred blood. Scene : Indqiendence Square, Philadelphia, July 3, 1776. Michael, Gabriel, Abdiel, Ithuriel, Zepiion, Raphael, Ap.iel. Michael. Hail ! honored comrades, offspring of our God ! Behold a nation struggling into life I The noblest, greatest, grandest of all time. Gabriel, the nations long have claimed your care: These rising States you've watched with partial eye. Say, arc they ripo for independence now ? G4 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. Gabriel. Michael, they are. It is their own by right. I joy to see them claim their heritage, And crown themselves with wise self-government. Michael. Zophiel, we turn to you inquiringly. The English and their king to you are dear. Have they not forfeited their claims to rule This generous people and their lovely land? Zophiel. Yes, England blooms in beauty and in grace. Her youthful king seems crowned with piety; Her people full of wisdom from on high. Alas! poor king! Insanity's at ftiult For half his folly and for all his crime. But these fair States ought now to be set free From king and nobles and all foreign sway; Owning allegiance to the King of kings, And living in obedience to his laws. More than a year England has stood appalled. Lord North would gladly have resigned his place And called an abler man to save the state. Wesley besought the king to shed no blood. London demanded peace, while statesmen wept. But the crazed king hearkened to no appeal : His own rash hand plucked from his diadem The brightest jewel that was glitt'ring there. Michael. What think you, Abdiel ? Is the rich, ripe fruit Of independence in the reach of these Brave sons of liberty? If not, say why. Abdiel. Yes. Independence now is theirs of right. Yirginia long ago demanded it. The pen of Jefferson, the eloquence Of Henry and of Lee, the solid sense Of Washington and Wythe convince all minds That independence is the people's right. When last November a French agent came To offer ammunition, money, arms, This seemed to give assurance of success In spite of all the armies of King George. MKC 'KI.KXliUItO — CANA DA. 65 Michael. Ithuriol, wo wtiit j'our true report Of the position of the uuiiny South. Ithurid. Michael, 'twas more than fourteen months a^o That independence freely was proclaimed By Carolinians at Mecklenbui-g. A few days since eii^ht hours of bombardment Stranded three British ships near J\Ioultrie's fort, Wounded the Admiral and drove his fleet To seek for shelter wnth his loyal friends In some safe harbor near to Halifax; Killed brave Lord Campbell, last of governors To rule by royal right or royal wrong. From the Potomac down to Florida Immediate independence is the cry. Michael. Zephon, what news have you from Canada? Does the St. Lawrence own our union's sway? Zephon. September saw Montgomerj^'s brave men March northward, take Fort Chambly and St. Johns, Seize Montreal and move to strong Quebec. Success attended them upon their march. When stern December hurled her fearful blasts, Chilling their vitals on the battle-field. They bravely faced the storms and fought their foes, Until their leader fell with glory crowned. Then, turning from the conflict with sad hearts. They mourned the loss their country had sustained ; While tears of grief froze on their manly cheeks, And gnawing hunger fed upon their strength. 'Twas sad to know Montgomery was dead ; Far more than sad to know that his shed blood Had failed to waken in Canadian hearts Longings for liberty and civil rights. Staining the frozen snow with bleeding feet, Southward their melancholy march began. Perhaps 'tis well the expedition failed. Untrained in freedom's Anglo-Saxon school, Canadians have not Icai'ned the patriots' lore; Their undrilled, slow-paced feet could not keep step With freedom's rapid march to high renown. 5 QQ THE AMERICAN EPIC. But south of the St. Lawrence and the lakes All things are rijie for independence now. Michael. How fares the army led by "Washington ? llaphael, we wait to hear what you have seen. Eaphael. Michael, the great commander took his place At duty's call more than a year ago. Brave, stalwart men gathered in multitudes To do his bidding with alacrity, Or. follow where he led against the foe. But ammunition could not be obtained; The summer passed, autumn and winter came With only preparations for the strife. He held the foe in Boston prison bounds, "With no way of escape but by the sea; Yet was himself fettered by scarcity Of balls and powder for the coming fight. At last, in March, the royalists, alarmed, Saw on the lofty heights of Dorchester Artillery to belch forth fiery death, And drive them from the city they oppressed. Nothing remained to them but swift retreat. Boston,' set free, is gay and jubilant, "While all JSTew England independence claims. The patriot army proud of its success, Hopes soon to drive the English o'er the sea. Michael. Such baseless hopes should not be entertained. I know that they deceive not "Washington. Eaphael. The thoughtful leader scans most carefully Each movement of his country's enemies; He knows the conflict must be desperate. Though crowned with laurels and by millions praised, Boston's retreat and Charleston's brave repulse Show him no easy path to libcrt}'. Keen vigilance, untiring energv, And patient, persevering, faithful toil Arc all devoted to his country's cause. INDFA'ENDENCE DECLARED. 07 Ariel. His countrymen must rally to his help, Or all his efforts will be made in vain. King George demaiids more artnanienta and men: Twenty-five thousand brawny Englishmen; Of hireling Hessians, fresh froia Germany, Seventeen thousand, di-illcd and officered; Of silly Tories and of savage tribes No man has numbered the vast multitudes That England's treasury' can arm for war. To meetthose countless foes the patriot chief, In his glad hours of wonderful success, Has only twenty-seven thousand men. How many will stand by him in defeat, Time yet must test by stern adversity. Ithuriel. You spoke of a commissioner from Franco, "Who tendered help in money, arms, and stores. Abdiel. France, jealous of Britannia's growing strength. Stands with her millions ready to take part In all that tends to lay her rival low. Gabriel. This French alliance gives w^cU-grounded hopes Of speedy independence for these States. Michael. Long months ago Virginia and the South Severed all ties that bound them to the king. New England still defies his Majesty. The slow-paced patriots of these Middle States Hold back their more enthusiastic friends. They need angelic aid : let us assist. Go thou, Ithuriel, to the hypocrites Who only feign a love for liberty. Expose their sordid, base hypocrisy ; Tear off their masks, and treat them with contempt. Go, Abdiel, to the men who hesitate. Rouse them to prompt, immediate action now. Zephon, timidity demands your help. Fill the faint-hearted with courageous thoughts. Raphael, the great committee needs your aid To have the declaration formed aright. 68 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Not only as to principles and words, But see that no expression gives offense To any of the wise contracting States. The slave trade is denounced in such strong tei-ms As Georgia never will consent to use; Nor will New England thus condemn her sons For traflScking in human flesh and blood. One wants the slaves to cultivate her lands; The other wants the profits of the trade. The Carolinas, too, would like to have Some changes made in those offensive words; So Jefferson must alter those bold lines, Or else for peace must let them be expunged. Go, Gabi'iel, to the patriot, JoiiU Adams. Touch with celestial fire his lips and tongue ; Give him the spirit of convincing speech, The eloquence that men cannot resist. That Congress may be carried as by storm. At 2 o'clock to-morrow let us meet. Independence Square, Pliilndelphia, 2 ddock, Jidy 4, 1776. Michael, Gabriel, Abdiel, Ithuriel, Zepuon, Raphael, Ariel. Gabriel. Comrades, the Congress now begins to vote. The great decision soon will be made known. John Adams was most eloquent of men ; They could not but agree to all ho said, Michael. The bell of liberty begins to sound; The people cry aloud in tones of joy: " Give jDraise to God I 'Tis Independence Day! " BOOK FOURTH Scene: Trenton, N. J., December 25, 1776. Gabriel, Uzziel, Ithuriel, Raphael. Raphael. 'Tis a sad Christmas to Americans. Of late discouragements have been their fate. Last August thirty thousand enemies Drove them across Long Island, with the loss Of a full thousand valiant fighting men. With muffled oars they hastened to New York; Thence up to Harlem Heights, from which they saw Five hundred blazing homes to light their way. Fort Washington, with its brave garrison, Surrendered in November to the foe : Its thousands, in vile pestilential cells. Await their death. Fort Lee was left in haste; Its stores were lost. The army, driv'n with speed Across New Jersey to the Delaware, Seized all the boats and to the other shore In safety crossed with but three thousand men. Ithuriel. Charles Lee was ordered to conduct his men With haste to join the troops of Washington ; But he — vain marplot of his chieftain's plans — Was taken by the British to New York. He's more a Briton than American ; His army, led by Sullivan, escaped. And joined the standard of their honored chief. The patriots now can claim six thousand men. Congress has fled from Philadelphia, At Baltimore votes dictatorial power To Washington, that he may save their cause. Uzziel. Prospects, indeed, seem gloomy in this land. Its destiny depends upon one man — Upon his honor and capacity. (69) 70 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Who saves his country from a foreign foe Isi tempted much to save it for himself; Or if he cannot grasp the highest prize, And scat himself upon a despot's throne, May he not use his sword to force a peace, And for it claim at least the second place In the great government that he makes strong? He may play Cffisar if not Gen'ral Monk ; If not an emperor, a British peer. Ithuriel. 'Twas not Virginia air that Ca?sar breathed; 'Twas no Yirginia mother nourished Monk. True to his country, Washington will stand Firm as the mountains of his native land. Uzziel. Suspect not Washington of treachery; Doubt not but he will do what man can do. But when an ice-bridge spans the Delawai"e, What shall hold back the British from their prey? Then they must yield to Britain or to death, Because the country has been so subdued That Cornwallis starts off for Europe soon, And Howe expects a Philadelphia home. What think you, Gabriel, of the prospect now ? Gabriel. 'Tis desperate indeed; but Washington Still leads his ragged troops from place to place; Upon his side, by pow'r divine arrayed, Are all of Europe's selfish jealousies; Old ocean's ev'ry wave and ev'ry gale ; The deep, broad rivers of his native land — Their ice-clad torrents and their sunny floods; They've been his playmates from his joyous youth, Are now his allies hast'ning to his help; They shield him from the fury of his foes. In league with these his country's hills and vales. Her lofty mountains, and her fertile plains, With all their grand majestic distances, Fight freedom's battles in her hour of need. Then millions of brave hearts and ready hands Pledge each red drop that pulsates in the veins Of liberty's unconquerable sons BATTLE OF TRENTON. 71 To the defense of home and native hind. But best of all, his trust is in our God. Hark ! hark ! what sounds are those that strike the earth ? The noise of battle floats upon the breeze; The hated Hessians wake to meet their fate. At the first onset, Rahl, their leader, fell. They die, they bleed, they beg, they plead for life. A few on horseback fled to Bordenton, But Trouton's garrison are prisoners, Of death or of the troops of Washington. The living bound are hurried o'er the waves Expecting death in some most horrid form, From men they have been told are cannibals. There's Sullivan, there's Greene, there's Washington. Last night they fought the fury of the storm. The floating ice, the chilling, white-capped waves; This morning marched to meet a 8leei)ing foe. Now, crowned with vict'ry, ci'oss the Delaware, Secure their pris'ners and their spoils of war. This daring deed will shake the British Isle From its strong confidence of victory. 'Twill kindle hope in ev'ry patriot's heart, And nerve the arms of freemen for the strife. Scene : Princeton, N. J., at day-break, January 4, 1777. Gabkiel, Abdiel, Itiiuriel, Uzziel, Raphael. Uzziel. Why wait we here ? Trenton demands our care ! 'Tis there the war-cloud frowns most gloomily. There Hessians, waking from the sluggish sleep That followed their coarse Christmas revelry, Found Washington had crossed the Delaware To kill or capture Trenton's garrison. More than two thousand fell or fled away. Or passed as captives o'er the broad, rough stream. If the great chief had watched his prisoners, And kept his troops on Pennsylvania ground, He would have shunned the peril he is in ; But he returned to Trenton, and has found Cornwallis hastening to capture him. 72 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Raphael. By thousanda British troops do concciitnitc ^o capture Washington and end the war. They have him where they long have wanted him, And now can pounce upon their noble prey. He and his troops seem hopelessly entrapped. Ahdiel. Cornwallis led from this place troops enough To crush the little army he opposed ; They fought there yesterday till dark came down. This morning larger numbers march from here. They start for Trenton by the break of day. Ithuriel. To make sure work they gather from all points, And hope to capture full five thousand men, With Washington and his best generals. What noise is that waking the villagers ? The sound of battle on these classic grounds Is startling even to an angel's ear, Gabriel, can 3^ou inform us what it means ? Gabriel. It means the British army has been left To beat the air in Trenton this cold day; While Washington surprises thousands here, And strikes the bravest of their vet'rans down. He kept his camp-fires blazing and marched round The num'rous army of his pow'rful foes. The unsuspecting Princeton troops are brave; They, with their bright and bristling bayonets, Drive raw recruits before them from the field. But Mercer leads his valiant veterans And turns the bloody tide of battle back. He falls — the conflict rages fearfully ; Death riots on the bravest of the brave. And victory, bewildered, hesitates To crown the brave, unflinching combatants. But hark ! A voice rings out upon the air That stirs in patriots resistless might; Its tones are heard where leaden hail falls fast, And sulphurous smoke hides human forms from sight. The target often thousand well-aimed balls Cannot escape by any human means. BUBGOYXE's Si'liNENDLIi. 73 Ahdiel, th}' shield throw round him, or he falls: Its heavenly temper from destruction saves. The morning breeze lifts up the stifling smoke, And shows the bloody battle nobly won. The British line in Avild disorder broke Before the valiant charge of Washington. Well may that steed prance proudly o'er the field, Displaying more of matchless majesty Than all j^ast ages ever yet did yield; More virtue, valor, Christian chivalry ! Scene: Saratoga, N. Y., October 17, 1777. Michael, Ithuuiel, Zephon. Ithuriel. There is a cheering sight to kindle joy In ev'ry home of all these colonies ! Burgoyne, in June, marched with ten thousand me:i, Well-armed and well-equipped for camjD or field. At his approach the patriots fled away From their strong places and their army stores; But bold John Stark at Bennington, Vermont, Whipped two detachments of his bravest men. His Indian allies have deserted him. Two recent battles brought defeat and loss. Within three days starvation's work begins. And there remains no way by which t' escape. This mighty army now capitulates. The proud Burgoyne, with his six thousand braves, And six wise members of the Parliament, Surrender to the rustic colonists. They, with themselves, give up abundant stores, "With ammunition for the next campaign; Five thousand muskets, forty-two brass guns. And, worst of all, the prestige of success. Zephon. The news of this humiliating stroke Will startle Britain like an earthquake shock, And make her monarch tremble on his throne. 'Twill strengthen Franklin at the court of France, And bring about a formal alliance. Ithuriel. Will this bring independence, peace, and joy ? 74 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Michael. Not now. Britannia claims the right to tax, And in all cases whatsoever rule. When the sad news of this calamity Comes to King George, it may dethrone his mind, But will not change his policy at all. His right to govern peojDle as he wills Must not be questioned by the colonists. Eather than this England's last ship and her last regiment Must cross the ocean to keep up the fight. When Holland, France, and Spain shall bo combined To fight the battles of her colonies, England may wake from her delusive dreams Of subjugation to her heavy 3'oke. At present British troops claim victories Upon the Delaware. They drive away From Philadelphia the Congressmen. The names of Germantown and Brandywine, Waking sad memories in pati'iots. Will, to the king and ministers, give hope Of final victory for British arms, And cause the flame of war to still blaze on. The conq'rors and the conquered come this way. What pity they should shed each other's blood! There's Gates, there's Morgan, Starke of Bennington. See Schuyler, Lincoln, Arnold, and St. Clair. There Kosciusko, the brave Polander; And there's Burgoyne, with captive officers. Scene : Near Monmouth, N. J., June 21, 177S. Satan, Mars, Baal, Moloch, Mammon, Belial. Satan. How fare my trusty friends? How goes the war? Mars. The British have lost Boston since we met; 111 their attack on Charleston been repulsed; By battles near to Brooklyn and New York Compelled the patr'ts to retreat in haste Across New Jersey to the Delaware, With but three thousand rago;ed warriors. The patriot chief passed o'er that freezing stream, Leaving no boats by which his foes might cross. VALLEV FOliGK. 75 The Congress fled awa}' to Baltimore, (iiviiii>; the (Jeneral dictatorial power. Joined by a few recruits, he turned again, Pressed on throui^h floating- ice, surprised his foes, Defeated them, sent to the Southern shore His numerous captives; crossed the stream again, As if to court defeat. His feeble force Faced a strong army and defied its pow'r; Skirmished a day with varying success. But, with his camp-fires burning, marched by night To strike with consternation other foes. Full thirteen miles away at dawn of day. Trenton and Princeton furnished battle-fields On which the pride of Britain was brought low. Then came the time for haughty royalists To flee before their ragged enemies. Befoiv another year had passed away Ships bore the Britons up the Chesapeake. At Brand3nvine the patriots were whipped; At Grermantown repulsed with fearful loss. Again the Congress fled. Howe and his hosts Seized Philadelphia, and gave several months To merry i-evelry, with now and then Heroic work, burning defenseless homes. The patriots, meanwdiile, at Valley Forge, Half starved, half clad, unshod, stained with their blood The snow on which they trod. But when spring came, Reports of help from France passed through the camp, Infusing hope and joy where suif'ring reigned. HoAve and his troops forsook their city friends, And sought a way of safet}'- towai-d the sea. 'Tis nearly time that they should pass this way. Of Saratoga and the British force That there surrendered you have long since heard. I need not speak of Gates or of Burgoyne. Thus much about the progress of the war. What has been done in other fields of fame? Belial. At Philadelphia, I have long held sway O'er all the victims of degrading vice, And many of the lofty I've debased. 76 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Baal. Yes, not a few of the polite, the pioud, The rich, the gay, the great have fallen low, Th' unhappy victims of degrading vice. In their humiliation I delight. Moloch. With fiendish satisfaction I have watched The starving, freezing troops at Valley Forge, And, gloating over Washington's distress. Have wondered how much anguish he could beai-. Mammon. I too have done my part to crush the chief. By tempting the most covetous to hoard What might have bought supplies for freezing men. Satan. A bolder, more destructive work was mine : I turned the hearts of patriots from their chief, And undermined their confidence in him; Not in his virtues, but his generalship. I told of Gates and his great victory, Of proud Charles Lee and his accomplishments; I led them to desire a daring chief, Eeady to take great risks and end the strife. I puffed up Conway, with such self-conceit That even he aspired to leadership. The simpleton deceived and led astray Some of the purest of the patriots. But mortifying failure marred our plans. The patriot leader, proof against our plots, Sublimely tow'red above all rivalry. But proud old Lee, still under my control, Will sorely vex the chieftain here to-day. I hear the booming of artillery. Ha ! ha! The tide of battle flows this way ! Mars. Hold, Satan, I must mingle in this fight ! Moloch. And I must gloat upon the suflerings Of thousands battling on this sultry day. Mammon. I go to gather up the spoils of war. Belial. And I to riot amid vilest deeds. BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 11 Satan. In full retrcut the Continentals come. Charles Lee has done as I instructed him. An Enril 30, 1789. Michael, Gabriel. Michael. 1 bring congratulations from the skies On the successful issue of our plans. Our youthful nation crowns itself to-day With governmental glory such as earth Through all her centuries has never seen. Gabriel. I thank you for your plaudits, worthy prince. Great Washington comes at his country's call To rule her factions or to fight her foes; While Jefferson, Knox, Randolph, Hamilton Will give wise counsels to their honored chief. John Adams in the Senate will preside, Ready to fill a more important place, And Jay judge wisely in the highest court. But see ! They come, and with them Livingston, New York's great chancellor. The book of God There gives validity to the great oath Which Livingston administers in form, And Washington so solemnly assumes. Imperial diadem or royal crown Could add no dignity to that great man Assuming obligations here to-day. The thund'ring cannon makes the welkin ring, The people cheer, the hosts of heaven rejoice. And the great God looks on approvingly. Scene: State-house yard, Philadelphia, October, 1791. Satan, Mo- loch, Belial, Mammon. Satan. Once more of our achievements we may speak, And tell of our great vict'ries over men. Moloch. I have been stirring France to deeds of blood That soon shall startle and amaze mankind. SrniFKS OF S TATA'S ML'X. 105 Bdial. And I liuvo helped the sava,<«;es to shiy The troops of Ilannar, llurdin, and St. Clair, Beyond Oliio's stream in Western wilds. Mammon. My work has been with those who death distill In Massachusetts and among the hills Of Pennsylvania, on her sparklinf>; streams. M}' rum and whisky clients hate all laws, Eegard not man, nor do they honor God ; Eut Light Horse Harry Lee with Fed'i-al troops Compelled the whisky boys t' obey the law. Satan. I have stirred strife to trouble Washington. 'Twas natural that soldiers should demand A vig rous government to raise supplies Which cautious statesmen might l)e slow to yield. So Hamilton most honestly desired More pow'r for Fed'ral hands than States would grant. I tempt him now to seize the pow'i's he wants, And claim that though not granted, they're implied, Or else necessitated by the force Of public policy or dire distress. So he creates a bank —assumes State debts Held by the thrifty North. By tonnage laws And tariffs robs the South, and in the North Builds the rich aristocracy he wants To make a strong and stable government, According to his fav'rite theor}^ Happ'ly for my success, great Jefferson Is Southern born and of the planter class. By the great Declaration which he wrote, f Pledged to the common people of the land, Friend of State rights and human liberty. Already factions gather round these men, And vex the righteous soul of Washington. Through manv generations I will make Their names the rallying cries of North and S..u(h, Of s|)eculatoi-s or of lal)orers. Of State rights or of strong, rash government, Till Fed'rai force strikes down resisting States, 106 THE AMERICAN EPIC. And bloated wealth strides proudly o'er the jioor. I hope to bring the strifes of Europe here, AVith a French party claiming Jefferson, And England's friends supporting Hamilton. What say you to the working of my plans? All. Go on ! go on ! You have our hearty helj). Scene: Boston Common, July, 1703. Raphael, Acdiel. Ahdlel. Servant of God and guardian of mankind, What loving deed has brought you hero to-day ? Raphael. See you those horsemen ? I attend on them. They go to Lynn on business of our king. Abdiel. Whence come they ? On what business do they come ? Raphael. Sons of the South. New England needs them now. With loving hearts they come to bring relief. Their fathers sent to Boston rich supplies When Britain would have starved her citizens. Then came with Washington to fight her foes, And drive the haughty Britons from her shores. So these most gen'rous, loving Southerners Bring to New England richer, costlier gifts, And bolder heroes to fight fiercer foes. There's Jesse Lee, Virginia's noble son; He is the leader of this gallant band. There's John, his bi'othor, victim of disease. Who soon shall gain his crown of victory. From Maryland comes Freeborn Garretson And brave George Eoberts. From Delaware see Bold Nathaniel Mills. From distant Georgia Eloquent Hope Hull, and by his side is Bishop Asbury, with Smith and Allen. These men of God bring simple gospel ti'uth To vanquish errors which blight Churches hoi'o. Sons of the Plymouth pilgrims leave the faith FLEEING FHOM CALVIN 'S DEC BEES. 107 Of their renowned forcfjithcrs, and take up The cast-off heresies of other Uuids, Deny divinit}- to Jesus Christ, Say that redemption came not by his blood; Deny that God, the Holy Spirit, works In quick'ning, cleansing, sanctifying men; Claim holiness by nature, not by grace; Expect salvation b}^ their own good works, Or claim for scoffing men a home in heaven, With naught of penitence or prayer or faith; AVould place Confucius by the side of Christ, And think they stretch their charity to hope That through the coming ages Christ may rise To the higii level of a Boston sage. Abdiel Say, Eaphael, how did educated men Such transcendental nonsense here embrace ? Baphael. Their fathers taught that God had fore-or- dained Whatever comes to pass throughout all time, And yet is not the author of a sin; That God is love, and yet sends babes to hell; That one cannot be added to the saved, Nor one diminished from the Lord's elect. Yet men are blamed for failing to be saved. These contradictions trouble not the Scotch, But Yankee brains ask: " How can these things be?" Disdainfully they throw away the creed Of their forefathers taught by Augustine; Its truthful parts despise more than the false; Then boasting of their learning and their wit, Their fancied wisdom makes them Satan's dupes. Of course the same gross errors suit not all, Nor yet the same wise persons all the time; Nor do they all cease to be Puritans, But they are so stampeded by alfright At Calvin's errors, tliey'll take any thing To get away from the divine deci'ees. Socinus, Ar'ius, or Pelagius, The pope, Confucius, Brahma, or Buddha, 108 THE AMEBICAN EPIC. From Calvinism seem to be relief. But from the South comes help in time of need. New England's altar fires shall blaze again, Lit by the torch of truth in Southern hands. Sons of the Puritans shall hail with joy The coming of these gospel cavaliers. Men call them Methodists. Two years ago Lee left his Southern home and hither came. A thousand converts welcome them to-day, And aid them in their efforts to do good. Last week reluctant Boston warmed with love And organized a zealous, holy Church. Ten thousand such shall soon illume this land With pure religion's brightest, hallowed flames, And send to distant nations light and love For those who grope in darkness and distress. ENGLISH AND FRENCH FACTIONS. 109 Scene: rh'daddphla,Janc 10, 1795. Baal, Mars, Satan, ISIammon. Baal. What say you, Mars, to Satan's schemes and plans, Since you have seen how perfectly they work ? Mars. Let him go on. Ilis tactics I admire. I gladly follow his" bold leadership. I now retract my disrespectful words. Europe will fight for the next twenty years, And 1 shall revel amid bloody wars. Satan. And these young lambs shall be old Europe's Devoured among her greedy, hungry wolves. Unless the heav'nly pow'rs aid Washington. Already Jefferson and Hamilton Have left the cabinet for private life; The people are for Britain or for France, And read}^ to take arms on either side. The sword of Washington and his great name Disarm the factious, make them live in peace. But recently, with Mammon's ready aid, I held the chief helpless between two fires. France sent her minister demanding help Against the hateful foes of liberty. Yes, France, the gen'rous friend of other days, Housed the rash people 'gainst their government, While Britain, with piratical intent. Seized Yankee ships wherever they wei'c found, And sent the barb'rous Indians to destroy The helpless families of the far West. 1 thought the people then would fiy to arms. But Washington soon had Genet recalled Back to his own rash country, warlike France. To Britain Jay was sent with peaceful woi-ds. The treaty that he made was hailed with .scorn, Was burned by mobs, assailed by orators. Who said their country had been basely sold. But, Mammon, you had much to do with that. Please give the details that .so hateful smn. 110 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Mammon. Jay was most pati'iotic, but was met By haughty, selfish Britons, backed by force His youthful country could not well resist. They proposed to move their soldiers from the Western forts, where Indians had been armed To slaughter babes; to leave the frontiersmen Of that wild region; the enlarging trade; To cease their depredations on the seas, And pay for ships and cargoes they had seized. But they refused to pay for stolen slaves, As in the former treaty was agreed ; Demanded that old debts should all be paid By those who had obtained the merchandise. 'Twas my fine hand that brought all this to pass. When the great war began, I told the men That war had settled all of their old debts. When peace returned, the Fed'ral government Agreed to the collection of those debts; But I then told the patriots to demand Exemption from those antiquated claims; Then told the British not to pay for slaves, Nor yet surrender up the frontier forts. Until the patriots paid up their debts. The treaty made by Jay, an Eastern man, Paid Eastern men for stolen ships and goods, But confiscated stolen Southern slaves. Because old debtors died or failed to pay. What maddens the Americans seems clear: Wayne whipped the Indians and had peace enforced In spite of British fraud and cruelty: So, giving up the forts she nothing gave. Why, then, should Jay relinquish claims for slaves? Why raise again the question of old debts. And fill the land with most vexatious suits ? It makes men doubly desperate to fail In their endeavors to shake off just debts, But so I'll tempt them to the end of time. Satan, this trouble is not ended yet. Satan. Nor shall it end till, roaring for more prey. The British lion treads these shores again. LOUISIANA VVRCIIASED. Ill Scone: Washington City, Jane 1, 1S03. Michael, Gabriel. Michael I hail you, Imppy Gabriel ! News arrives At this new seat of empire that the French Have sold this young republic vast domains Extending broadly westward to the shores Washed by Pacitic's peaceful, gentle waves. The States thus gain more than a million of Square miles of land, with mighty rivers on Their rapid way to the vast oceans of The East and West. This to the frontier men Gives free access to all the whole round world, Without leave asked of Britain, France, or Spain ; With liberal hand throws wide trade's golden gates, And welcomes the rich commerce of a world; Invites prosperity with wide-spread sails To enter at ten thousand open ports. Gabriel. Yes, Michael, but the half has not been told Of God's great goodness to this favored land. The Indians, whip])ed by Wayne, have peaceful grown; Jay's treaty with the British, though unjust, Caused peace to smile where war had madly frowned ; The whisky fiends of Pennsylvania Submitted to the troops of Harry Lee, Proving the majesty of fed'ral law ; Factions were awed by mighty AVashington; The States kept free from foreign dominance; When France in robber tones demanded gifts, Pinckney with stately dignity replied, "We've millions for defense, but not a cent For tribute to the strongest of our foes," And the brave States in thunder tones rolled back The patriot statesman's grand, defiant words. When war came thrcat'ningly from angry France, The people rallied in their own defense, And called on Washington to lead their troops. The waves were witnesses of French defeats. The robber ships, some captured, some destroyed, Found foemen who could humble all their pi-ide. Then Frenchmen changed their rulers, and again Peace wound her chain of love around old friends. i'liliiliiiiiiilE (112) JEFFERSON AND JOHN MARSHALL. 113 This strengthened the new government abroad, And gave the people confidence at liome. It had been feared when Washington must go, The orphaned Union would then sadly pine. But the great man retired to private life; The States lived on. He died; they flourished still. 'Twas feai-ed that conflicts at election times Would bring on anarchy and bloody strife. Administrations changed; no blood was shed. Then selfish ftiction tempted Aaron Burr To let it steal for him the highest place; And Burr was willing, while for days they tried To take the presidency and its power From Jefferson, the people's chosen chief. But honest Bayard checked the villainy ; Against his party, let the right prevail. 'Twas well the government should stand the test, And triumph over faction's cunning fraud. It throttled usurpation and struck down The tyranny that followed forms of law, When even patriots in authority Enacted and enforced despotic laws Against the Constitution and the right. 'Twas proper that the ballots of the free Should, under avalanches of contempt, Bury those patriot tyrants of the land In cold oblivion. Then repeal their acts. And let the hangman burn the hateful words. The alien and sedition laws are dead. The party that enacted them will die. Burr's name is hateful. Jefferson is still The guardian of State rights, and freedom's friend. He rules in righteousness. Authority Not granted by the States he will not wield. Even the treaty by which he secures Louisiana to the land he loves He would submit to the approval of The sev'ral States. Ilapj^y the land with such A ruler blessed ! Thrice happy in the judge That fills the place of highest honor in Its highest court ! John Marshall is his name. 8 114 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Justice personified in liim is seen. Marshall and Jefferson, Virginia's sons, Shall through the coming ages bless mankind, And by the might of their illustrious names Cause terror-stricken tyranny to quail, And usurpation drop its mask of smiles; While fraud, corruption, legal villainy, Shall trembling drop their base, dishonest gains. But see! The great Chief-justice comes this way, And by his side the greater President: They pass in modest majesty sublime, Without a thread of such pretentious garb As little greatness still delights to wear. The honor that enshrines these noble men Might waken envy in archangels' breasts, If angels' breasts could envy entertain. Michael. You grow enthusiastic in their praise; I join you in admiring their renown. Their unpretentious, simple, lofty aims. But I have marveled much at the great growth Of these United States in worldly wealth. The fruitful soil exhaustless riches yields, And fills the land with plenty and with joy. The mines surrender their long hidden stores, The forests wave a welcome to the men That turn their lofty grandeur into gold. Waves bear the white-winged wand'rers of the deep From ev'ry land with tribute to these shores. While population multiplies and spreads. Still doubling its possessions year by year. New settlements, blooming and beautiful, Spring forth to join the sisterhood of States. Vermont from her green hills came smiling down ; Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio, Baptized with blood, march grandly, sword in hand. To their high places in the stately band. No other nation ever prospered so. Mankind, astonished, wonder and admire. Angels exult to see such blessedness, And God himself smiles on the blissful scene. Let us away where other duties call. BOOK SIXTH. Scene : Tippecanoe, in the woods of, Indiana, November 8, IS 11. Sa- tan, Mars, Mammon, Belial. Mars. Ila, ha! ha, ha ! What is it wo have licrc? 'Tis war, but war not worthy of the name. Napoleon's campaigns, Wellington's great figlits, Eussia's rude millions, Prussia's well-drilledraiiks, Might claim applause from Jupiter himself; But those frontiersmen and their Indian foes May all be left to Belial and his fools. Belial. Take back your insult ! But for knaves and fools Your world-wide wars could never be commenced. Mars. True, Belial. I retract the insulting words. I recognize the value of your work. Satan. Yes, fill the world with sober, upright men, And peace would plant her olives in all lands, Doves lay their nurselings where the eagles brood, And harvests ripen upon battle-fields. Ten peaceful yeai's sages have ruled this land. With Jefferson or Madison in pow'r. All my malignant arts provoke no wars. I've seen the population multiplied. The territory doubled in extent, The commerce increased more than seven-fold. The wilderness explored from sea to sea, Lewis and Clarke in distant Oregon, As pioneers of millions who shall go To till the lands and ])low Pacific's waves. I've seen success crown Fulton's enterprise To yoke the steam, and make it jiull his slii]is Against opposing tides and wayward winds, (115) 116 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Ready to hurl destruction at all foes That dare invade the waters to make war. The pirates, whipped, no longer vex the sea; Indians, subdued, no more distress the land; The schemes of Burr suppressed, and he disgraced; Great Hamilton, who rivaled Jetferson, Mourned by all parties in an early grave; The Eastern faction growled, Imt dared not bite, And I, in my malignity, looked on, Without ability to stir up strife. Here peace, prosperity, and jDlenty smiled. On Christian principles and honest men. But I have not been idle. Mammon too Has toiled to darken their benignant skies, And hurl war's furious tempests at their homes. Belial has stirred these Indians, as you see. To deeds of treachery and cruelty ; But Harrison has whipped the savages. Behold the ashes of their wigwam homes! Say, Mammon, what of Britain's "lords of trade?" Mammon. I made them agonize with envious rago, As Yankee commerce, borne by Yankee ships, Caused their own trade to languish day by day; Then sent them to their rulers to demand The driving of these upstarts from the sea By cutting off all trafSc with the French, I moved the Frenchmen to retaliate. And close against them all of Britain's ports. I thought these cautious Christian men must fight With France or England, or with both at once. Instead of that they joined their enemies To keep their ships confined in their own ports. Finding they would not fight with foreigners, I tried to raise a fight among themselves By tempting all the selfish sons of ti'ade To take up arms against the embargo. New England listens, and may yet secede To join her fortunes with the Canadas. John Henr}'' thinks she will, and so does Craig, Who now rules Canada for Britain's kinir. BRITISH OVTHAGES. 117 Satan. Mammon, I give you priiisc for worlc well done. I have led England to assert a right To seize her subjects wheresoever found, And to impress them witli her own marines. Thus ships of neutral nations now are searched For men to tigiit the battles of King George. Speaking the English language is enough To prove them subjects of the English King. So, in the service of these kidnappers, Six thousand citizens of these proud States Arc held. Adding insult to injury, I made the " Leopard" stop the "Chesapeake" Near her own harbor, and drag from her decka Four men to bondage, one to cruel death. These peaceful rulers most indignantly Ordered all British war-ships from their ports, Then rested on in quiet dignity. At last, when foreign trade was quite destroyed By French and English robbery at sea, AYithout a ship that dared to sail abroad, The prudent men proclaimed "non-intercourse" With pirate nations that destroyed their trade. To shame them out of their inglorious peace, I made them stand a battle on the sea. The "Little Belt" attacked the " President" Without a word of warning or of threat; But as brave Rogers punished his rudo foe, Giving the British pirate deadly shots, 'Twas deemed sufficient to avenge the wrong. So those most patient rulers still have peace; But they shall soon have war. Fll make them fight. Mammon, send Henry to the fed'ral court With written evidence of England's plot To wield New England's factions and detach Her wordy traitors from the fed'ral league. Belial, go to the sea-ports. Idle throngs Need Init your help, and they grow desperate. Go wake the wtirlike woodsmen of the West To deeds of valor worthy of themselves. Bring up young statesmen to the capital: 118 THE AMERICAN EPIC. I'll stir ambition in their 3-outhful blood, And war's rude hurly-burly shall begin. Scene : Capitol, Washington, D. C, December 25, IS 12. Asmodeus, AzAZEL, Mars, Satan, Baal, Moloch, Chemosh, Belial, Mam- mon, Belus, Sekapis. Satan. A merry Christmas to my trusty friends ! Come, celebrate with me the natal day Of David's Son, the mighty Prince of Peace; While his meek, peaceful subjects work our will. Eoman and Greek and Protestant agree, At least for once in perfect unity. They all combine to take each other's lives; They make the world one glorious battle-field ; While fishes of all oceans feast on flesh Of Christians slaughtered by true Christian men. Russia sees millions crimsoning her snows; All soils are fertilized with Christian blood; Here Protestants with Protestants contend. Mars. Huzza ! huzza ! war, glorious war employs The pious subjects of the Prince of Peace ! Baal. Huzza ! huzza ! his millions haste to claim A dwelling-place with us in hell's dark depths. All. Huzza! huzza! huzza! we welcome them ! Satan. Yes, this young nation yielded to my arts. The Irishman, John Henry, and the plot Which he revealed, roused hatred in the hearts Of angry millions. Bold statesmen such as Grundy, Clay, Calhoun hurried the timid, Cautious, prudent, slow into rash action. All unprepared in every thing but men, They struck the strongest nation in the world. As might have been expected, they have failed. Hull basely played the coward at Detroit; Surrendered all his men, lost Michigan, Gave up Lake Erie, and defenseless left The helpless people of the whole North-west. Van Rensselaer, at Qucenstown, drove the foe, SATAX h'EIGXS. 119 Ordered twelve hundred men to cross the stream, And help complete the half-won victory. New York's militia would not leave their State: The craven cowards left their country's fla<^ And its defenders to the enemy. One Smyth, still later, sent his men across, But feared to lead the gallant patriots. A hero leading dastard followers; A dastard leader of brave, valiant men. But on the ocean bravery and skill Have given immortality to names That shall be honored in most distant lands. Decatur, Porter, Jones, and Isaac Hull, Bear off" the honors of the present war; But other men shall highest honors claim Before peace hovers o'er this land again. Yet, comrades, all the honors won by men Are naught compared with those we proudly wear. Their grandest battles are but skirmishes To world-wide conflicts such as ours are. Our foes are stronger — yea, omnipotent — And destined yet to triumph over us; But we light on through the whole course of time. We rule all nations, t still proudly reign "God of this world," enthroned o'er all maidvind. Yes, e'en at Christmas I rule Christian men. Behold the great men stagg'ring through the streets! To time's last moment earth shall still be mine. And when the lake of fire shall blaze round mo This world of mine shall feel consuming fires. Messiah, if he wants it for his saints. Must it, as well as them, create anew. Scene: In llie woods near the river Thame.% Omndn, October 5, 1813. AbDIEL, IxnUKIEL, UkIEL, Zoi'lIIEL. Ahdiel. If tears were ever shed by angol eyes, This wicked war would make them freely flow. Last .January Winchester's brave troops Surrendered to their haughty British foes. But Proctor, the most infamous of men. Subjected them to Indian scalpingknivcs. 120 THE AM Eli WAX EPIC. Itliuriel. So Dudley and his men were sacrificed To savage fury at a later day, Uriel. When gallant Chaunecy and his brave marines Drove British shijDS from Lake Ontario, Dearborn crossed over to the northern shore With troops to capture forts and army stores. Th' exploding of Toronto's magazine Sent death to heroes that were led by Pike; But in the arms of victory they fell, Crowned with the praises of the land they loved. Ithuriel. Winder and Chandler stormed Fort George in May. It yet is held in spite of England's jDower. Zophiel. Old ocean still is vexed with human strife, And hurls his storms against the combatants; But they fight on, and when defeated cry With dying LaAvrence: "Don't give up the ship!" But not on bounding billows of the deep Do British sailors seek for glory now. To proud old England naval wai'fare means Prowling along the shore for helpless prc}^. Outraging decenc}' and burning towns. Ahdiel. Hark ! hark ! I hear the sounds of horrid war, The noise of musketry, the clash of arms; The tramp of cavalry, the steady step Of British infantry, and the loud cries Of strong frontiersmen, battling for their lives. List to the Indian war-whoop ! Hear the j'cU Of dying hundreds in their agonies ! See Proctor fleeing! The cruel dastard Hastes to leave the field. His proud regulars Flee swiftly in the steps of their base chief Kentucky horsemen mow them down like wheat. See that strong Indian ! Listen to his voice. Urging his red braves forward to the fight. That is Tecumseh, bravest of his race.' He's badl}" wounded; see, the strong man falls! As their chief dies the Indians cpiit the field. AMEIUCAXS VICTOlilOUS. 121 See Isaac Shelby, hero of two wars, Now civil (Jovernorof his great State. And there is Harrison; Virginia's blood Throbs in his heart and mantles on his check, Impelling him to most illustrious deeds. See, at his side, the manly Colonel Croghan, Brave young defender of Fort Stevenson. And there is Colonel Johnson, leaning on The shoulders of two comrades who support. With loving hearts, their noble, bleeding fi-iend. And last, but most renowned of all the throng, Behold young Perry, hero of the lake. His naval victory, so bravely won, Thrilled a whole nation with exultant joy. And rendered this day's triumph possible. This double viet'ry gives ten thousand homes Protection against bloody tomahawks. The playful children of the West no more Shall check their sports to list for savage j^clls. Matrons and maidens, undisturbed by fear, Shall sing of heaven, and find it in the smiles Of lovely innocence, secure from harm. Scene: Hartford, Cl., December, I8I4. ]\Iars, Satan, Ciiemosh, Mammon, Belus. Mars. More than two years of what these men call war Have passed with only trifling skirmishes. , Satan. True, Mars, but you're impatient of results. You think of what is seen. I lay vast plans, Involving millions through all coming time. You oidy sec some thousands march, tight, die; Some ti-illing villages consumed by fire. I cherish hatreds between North and South, Fanning the flames that shall bi-eak out and burn Through this broad Union in the days to come. Chemosh. I will not hear this war Ijclittlod so; This bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Satan, your schemes for continental woe 122 THE AMERICAN EPIC. May end in failure, wise as they may seem. Mars, you may glory in great Wellington, In Bonaparte, and Europe's countless hosts, But don't despise this side-show of a war Which Britain wages as with her left hand. These hating kinsmen have struck fearful blows. What think you of the nameless horrors seen Near the wild banks of Eaisin's bloody stream ? What of the braves by bold Tecumseh led ? What of their conquerors upon the Thames, Led on by Johnson, Shelby, Harrison ? What of the boyish Croghan at Sandusk}^, And youthful Perr}^, whose intrepid deeds On Erie's waters ring around the world ? Was that a skirmish when, near Chippewa, More than five hundred of the British fell. Or when nine hundred fell at Lundy's Lane, Where fame's loud trump proclaimed the honored names Of Scott, of Eipley, Jessup, Miller, Brown? What of Fort Erie's siege? attempts to storm ? Fierce bombardment for more than forty days ? Its fiery sorties and its brave defense ? When fourteen thousand men with Prevost marched. And Downie's mighty fleet accompanied. Up Sorel Eiver to the Saranac? Was that not war that forced them to retreat. Losing one-fifth of their vast armament, Their admiral, and nearly all his ships? Plattsburg and Lake Champlain pronounce it war. McDonough and Macomb wear warriors' wreaths And write their names on glory's brightest] )age. 'Twas worse than war when Eoss at Washington Used arson's torch, and burned the capitol. 'Twas war sublimed, war glorified, when Smith Marshalled ten thousand men at Baltimore To fight at North Point for their native home. Since that great battle ev'ry glowing star In freedom's banner flashes forth the names Of Baltimore, McIIenry, and North Point. In most heroic times this would be war. JOHN IIEyiiV — THE TEMPTER. 123 Satan. Yes, Chcmosli, you have wisely proved your point. But, Mammon, Avhat report have you to make About your money-mongering clientage ? Mammon. My clients must be treated with respect. True, they love money; others love it too. But lack the shrewdness and the enterprise B}' which New England's sons enrich themselves. Why then should Satan coin an uncouth phrase To fling at my most worthy clientage? I'll not report until he takes it back. Satan. "We'll have no disputation about wordy. I'll take it back ; I want the news you bring. Mammon. Well, then, when Adams ruled, and Fisher Ames Was the chief orator in Congress Hall, New England was well pleased with peace or war. She knew her sons were wisest, bravest, best Of all who sailed the seas or trod the earth, And lost all patience when the purblind eyes Of outside millions failed to see it so. 'Twas quite too bad to think of or endure That President, Premier, Chief-justice, and Decatur, gallant prince of naval chiefs. Should all be Southern born and Southern bred. And when Louisiana had been bought, The wise men of the East declared 'twas time To leave the Union and seek wiser friends. When France would cripple commerce, and the sea Saw Britain kidnap thousands of their sons, AVar was demanded, but the imbeciles. Who ruled at Washington embargoed trade, And checked the bus'ness by which men grow rich. No wonder my shrewd clients looked aliroail For commerce that could not be found at home. And still they seek immediate relief In every quarter that may promise help. Bdus. 'Twas then John Henry came from Canada 124 THE AMERICAN EPIC. To offer them Great Britain's potent aid. They Hstened and encouraged him to hope That they would meekly bear the British yoke, Though Bunker Hill frowned on the hateful spy And Lexington and Concord spurned the wretch, While silent protests came from the green graves Where lay the honored dust once nobly worn By Warren, Prescott, Adams, Hancock, Ames; But brave John Adams, true and ftxithful still, Writing in kindness to his early friend, Told Jeiferson the law must be repealed. 'Twas done, and still they were not satisfied. And now when war prevails and patriots bleed, The hydra heads of faction hiss against What they had long demanded as most wise. With stifling breath they try to suftbcate, With snaky folds to crush the government; Destroying credit and denj'ing aid. Betray the country to its enemies. These men will go no farther. They are shrewd; The hatreds of the sections are intense. But their self-interest deeper, stronger far. Theirs is not hot blood of the cavaliers, Nor hasty chivalry of Huguenots. They cannot hope for aught from Canada That's worth a tithe of what the}^ here possess. No stretch of Fed'ral tyranny could drive These calculating people to secede. But, Satan, they are ready to your hand To drive out men more hasty than themselves. Under the Constitution they will claim All that they want and hold all that they gain. Others may call it legal robbery. But they'll drive wedge and screw still farther in, And boldly smile at their shrewd Yankee trick. With kindly feeling and philanthropy, Their condescending charity will stoop To lift their neighbors to their own high plane Of transcendental super-eminence. If those dull neighbors venture to demur. Audacious insults may be hurled at them. THE IIARTFORI) COXVEXTIOX. 125 These ftiilino;, rifles, swords, and spears complete Their elevation to the loftier plane. Satan. You speak most wisely, Belus; but the world Has many people that are worse than these, And few that are much better can 3'ou find. I'll use them as you say for my wise ends. If we cannot induce them to secede, AVe'U use them to make other men go out. And then perhaps to drive them back again. But these conventionists in Hartford met AVill give their names to infamous contempt. As banded 'gainst their country while at war. When they complete the work they have in hand. And threaten Madison with what they'll do If he does not conclude the war in haste, 'Twill bo to learn of peace already made, Without the least regard for their fierce threats. Mammon. Does Babylonian Belus dare to blame The wise inhabitants of wisdom's land? Does Satan dare to damn them with faint praise? Such disrespect deserves, and shall receive. The stern rebuke of one who knows them well. This land of scholars, schools, and colleges, Of statesmen, orators, philosophers. Of wise inventors, and industrious men. Shall flourish in despite of envious hate. Scene: New Orleans, January 8, IS IB. Gabriel, Abdiel, Zepuon, Rapuael, Ithuriel, Uriel. Ahdiel. I hail you happy here, my friends, lo-day! Once more peace smiles upon this favored land, Ecposing in the lap of victory. The laurel-wreath that rests on Jackson's brow Has been well won, and now is nobly worn. A widow's son, trained in the fear of God, His boyhood gave its strength to freedom's cause. Ijater in life he championed womanhood; Her base detractors fled before his wrath. When savage warriors thi-eatened the frontiers, And slew four luuuired persons at Fort Minis, 126 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. He rushed to rescue others from such fate. He had but acorns to subsist upon, But gave security to helpless homes, And wrote his honored name on grateful hearts. Zsphon. When British ships from Pensacola sailed With ti'oops to take Fort Bowj^ers' garrison, He hastened to repel his country's foes. Then storming Pensacola, he drove out The enemy from Spanish Florida. When fifty ships, with full twelve thousand men, Came to attack defenseless New Orleans, He martial law proclaimed, and \vith strong will Compelled the people to defend themselves. He took their cotton-bales to build a wall For their protection from their enemies; Sent out his gun-boats to delay the foe. Then from the river he bombarded them; Still later sent two thousand riflemen, With deadly aim to sla}^ their officers. Then falling back behind his cotton-bales, He smiled at their impotent cannonade. And waited for Napoleon's conquerors. They marched this morning, led by Pakenham; And when he fell, by Gibbs; and then by Keen; When ho had fallen, Lambert led them off In swift retreat from Jackson's backwoodsmen. Eight killed and eighteen wounded was the loss Sustained by the undrilled Americans. Of vet'ran British seven hundred fell. With fourteen hundred helpless from their wounds And full five thousand pris'ners left behind. From early dawn to nearly nine o'clock The fight continued with ten-ific loss. At each discharge the British were mowed down By marksmen such as they had never met Until they faced the troops of Tennessee And stood before Kentucky riflemen. A truce is granted by the conqueror To let the wounded and the dead receive All duo attention from their countrymen. AN^XTERNATIOXAL COURT. 127 Raphael. You say the war is ended, peace prevails. Please tell me what's been gained by all the strife. Ithuriel. The States have seen their capitol consumed, Their coasts laid waste, their villages destroyed. Their soldiers slain, or wounded, or diseased. Full eighteen thousand sailors have been lost. As many hundred ships captured or sunk. Have paid high taxes and now owe a debt Of fivescore million dollars, if not more. •The British have lost much, and nothing gained But the disgrace of arson, outrages. And high renown from Indian massacres. Both now gain peace; yes, peace, and nothing more. Abdiel. But then the States have freedom of the seas, Trade unrestricted by their stronger foes. Exemption from impressment of their sons. And the grand record of such deeds as this Performed to-day by Jackson and his troops To hold in awe the tyrants of the world, And make them fear t' offend these mighty States. Gabriel. If men were wise, benevolent, and just, All wars might cease, peace everywhere pi*evuil, And arbitration settle all disputes. 'Twere better still to organize a court To judge of international complaints. Each country on the globe could choose its judge And furnish its proportion of a force Commanded b}^ the marshal of that court. To properly enforce its just decrees. Earth's armies might with safety then disband, Producing, not destroying, property Each nation could get help for its police By proper application to the court, And thus establish order in all lands. Contiguous countries wishing to unite Could ask the court to give them its consent. The court could hold its sittings when and where Occasion and convenience mii^ht demand. 128 THE AMERICAN EPfC. Its ships and regiments might first embrace The navies and the armies of the world, To be reduced proportionately till Ten thousand men would keep mankind in peace. Uriel. Hark! hark! the hero comes ! Behold the chief! The city's saved, he honors civil law. Judge Hall now trembles, fearing Jackson's friends, And trembles more to hear the chieftain's voice; But there is law, not wrath, in its clear tones: "Judge, I have done my duty; now do yours. The court shall be protected by the power That did protect the city ; so fear not. If I've been guilty of contempt of court, Inflict the penalty; it shall be paid." The judge assessed the fine, which Jackson paid. This grandest vict'ry of the chieftain's life — The hero's triumph over his own pride. The soldier's high regard for civil law. The warrior's tribute paid to legal power — Is the rich metal of a brighter crown Than conq'ror ever wore on earth before. Scene: Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.,1S15. IxnuraEL, Abdiel. Ahdiel. "What mean this music, these excited crowds ? Ithuriel. Decatur has returned from Barbary; The pirates fell or fled at his approach. Algiers, Tripoli, Tunis, well chastised. Surrendered all the prisoners the}^ held, And paid in cash for their bold robberies. The conq'ring hero and his brave marines Bring back the long lost exiles to their homes. Wife, children, friends, and native land agree To make their glad hearts overflow with joy; And there are Madison, Monroe, Calhoun, And all the cabinet to welcome them And to do honor to the naval chief That rescued them from bondage with strong hand. THE MlSSOVJil COMPROMISE. 129 Behold Decatur! modest and serene, All heaven would delight to honor him. Scene: The Capitol, Washington, D. C, August, 1831. Satan, Baal, Mammon. Satan. My honored allies, in our endless wars Events transpire that claim our serious thoughts. The Greeks throw off the sultan's galling yoke; Old Spain will lose her Western colonies; France groans beneath the Bourbon's tyranny; A black republic called Liberia Has been set up in Western Africa; Jackson has whipped the warlike Seminoles, Has chased the savages to Spanish ground. There seized and hanged two meddling Englishmen. England said nothing, proud old Spain complained, But to her neighbors sold fair Florida. I witnessed that great sale, and smiled to sec John Quincy Adams Texas give away. While Southern statesmen kindly closed their eyes, Or looked away in search of Northern votes. These statesmen talk of roads, canals, a bank, A tariff manufactures to protect; But I make their disputes all sectional. Make every act a triumph for the North Or for the South. Monroe, elected twice. Must soon retire; but the next Pi-esident Shall owe his office to a section's vote Or to a combination between men To give a section favors it demands. The Union grows, new States increase its strength, And blaze in starry brightness on its flag. Louisiana, from the far South-west, Met Lidiana leading Illinois; While Mississippi Alabama led. To greet Missouri and far Eastern Maine; But when Missouri came I raised a storm That shook the Union with an earthquake's force. Baal. On what pretense did you excite that storm ? She had the same right other States have had. 130 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Satan. So I well knew, and could litivc proved it too, But jealousy of sections intervened To do for me more than I dared to hope. I prompted supercilious piety To claim superior philanthropy And zeal for equal rights among all men, Not equal rights among the sovereign States, To claim for Congress absolute control Of all the territories of the land. So that Missouri could not be a State Unless she banished slavery from her soil. Baal. When did the States give Congress such aright. Or any right to legislate on slaves ? Satan. Never. The Union could not have been formed If such a notion had been entertained. But many wish to see the States ignored, That fed'ral force in all things may prevail. I aid them now to take and firmly hold All they desire in a strong government, But never could induce the States to yield. Still better for my grand, audacious schemes A compromise draws a dividing line From East to West across the continent. That line divides two parties; fills with hate The bosoms of a self-wiUed, warlike race. That line I'll widen, make it red with blood And glittering with swords and baj'onets. Baal. When did the people give authority To any one to draw a line like that Between co-eqiial citizens and States ? When did the States consent to such a line, Or Southerners agree to lineal law. That treats them as desjiised inferiors? When did French residents renounce the rights Secured by treaty with Napoleon ? Satan. Never. 'Twas King Majority enthroned, His scepter gave to false philanthropy To drive Missouri from the Union's door. BUSKER HILL MONUMENT. 131 'Twaa purblind statesmanship, with stumljling steps, Led by ambition trampling upon law, The rights of men, of States, and treaty rights, All by the Constitution well secui-ed, Stretched out the coward hand that drew that lino. Mammon. 'Twas I that drew the contract that con- veyed New England's votes to the most southward States, To keep "the slave trade open twenty years. And their three votes for tonnage taxing laws, I saw the contract faithfully observed. The slaves were brought till they were two for one, Doubling their numbers in the twenty years. They taxed out foreign tonnage at their will, And so they will until the end of time. What now is wanted? Can it be more slaves? Belial. They want to bless the negroes by decay, To extirpate them, let them slowly starve, T' inclose them in a nari'ow boundary And let them eat their heads otf if they will. No! no! it is not more but fewer slaves, And fewer masters, and they very poor ! Baal. 'Twould certainly be better for the slave To range at will, or at his master's will, Through all th' unmeasured acres of the "West. Satan. I listen to your talk with due respect, But marvel that you fail to see in me The cause of wordy warfare and the strife That now embitters sectional disputes. I care not for the slaves, for North or South, J')Ut fan the flames of hatred till they blaze With all the fury of destructive war. Scene: Bunker Hill, Mass., June 17, 1825. Ariel, Raphael, Zo- PHIEL. Zophiel. "What means this gathering of thousands here, With martial music and the measured tread Of soldiers ready for the battle-field? 132 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Raphael. 'Tis half a century since on this hill Freemen fought bravely for their liberty. To-day survivors of that famous fight Meet their young countrymen to celebrate The triumphs of the cause for which they fought. Ariel. There's Daniel Webster, prince of orators, Whose eloquence shall tell of noble deeds Performed by heroes fifty years ago, And of the principles for which they bled, And the rich fruits of those pure principles. Zephon. There's Lafayette, the nation's honored guest, The friend of Washington and liberty: Our country's friend — friend in her time of need. This grand old hero lays upon this spot The corner-stone of a tall monument, Whose tow'ring top, still pointing to the skies, Shall tell the generations yet to come 'Twas their forefathers' God whose mighty hand Gave them the liberty that they enjoy. Great Lafayette came back to visit now The people that in youth he helped to free. A mighty multitude, with happy hearts, Have welcomed him to their rejoicing homes. They give their benefactor fertile lands And crown him with a nation's gratitude. They see him shed affection's flowing tears Upon the honored tomb of Washington. They see the joy that lights his countenance As he beholds their great prosperity, Sees mines and forests and the fruitful soil Lavish upon them richest, rarest gifts. Old ocean rolls her treasures to their shores. And commerce brings rich tribute to their poi'ts. They see how gratified he is to learn That Porter whipped the pirates of the Gulf, Till none remain t' alarm the sons of trade; That Congress recognized the governments Of all the new republics of the South •As independent nations of the earth; THE MONROE DOCTlilNE, 133 Tliat President Monroe bad notified Old Eurojie that she shall not colonize A single spot of this free continent. Now when he seeks the shores of his loved France, Eememb'ring where his blood in youth was shed, They send him on the good ship " Brandy wine." BOOK SEVENTH. Scene: Capitol, Washington, D. C, March, 1820. Satan, Mammon, Belial, Baal. Satan. Fate seems against us now, my brave compeers. Jackson, inaugurated, spoils my plans. He is a strict constructionist, and firm In his determination to maintain State rights and civil liberty against All usurpations of the fed'ral power. With him comes in a Senate to sustain And strengthen him. Monopolies must die. Protective tariffs will no longer rob The planters to enrich the men with mills. The bank must perish, and the treasury. Freed from the leeches that now feast on it, Gather no more than its demands compel For uses that are constitutional. Now, I had hoped that Adams would sei've out Another term, and give the greedy East All that it asks from the depleted South; Would strain the Constitution till it breaks. Rending all ties that now connect the States. This disappointment vexes me to-day. Grive your advice. Say what shall next be done. Mammon. Press onward in the course you have pur- sued. The fact'ry lords are not yet satisfied. The iron masters more protection claim: They hoodwink honest men and patriots With "The Americans against the world." Ambition's bribes they proffer to the great. And offer money in exchange for votes. I pledge my clientage to 5'our support ; We plant our money for productive crops. (134) I'ACTORY LOIWS. 135 Belial. I too can tell of something you will like My client who wus once , Kow Mrs. . . ., will be snubbed, tabooed By the elite of chaste society. The ]iious wives of Jackson's cabinet Will be viMj^iiiied to ref^o,1SG.'2. Satan, Maes, IMammox, Belial. Satan. "Welcome to New Oi-lcans, my warlike friends! Were you not hei*e with Jackson in his prime? Mars. I was. Had he been here ten days ago My brother, Neptune, had not sent his sous, Porter and Farragut, past all the forts To capture this fair cit}^ It is ruled ily one hated by women and despised ]iy all who hoiH)r and esteem the foir. Ciin Jackson's statue look on such a man Without a most indignant, virtuous frown? Satan. I beg you, Mars, refrain from such abuse Of one I number on my list of friends. Mammon. And ho is one of my best clients too, I pray you spare him, also for my sake. Belial. He is my fav'rite, trusty crony too. One such to me is worth ten thousand men. Mars. I leave him then with you, his honored friends. But tell me what you know about tlie war. Belial. I was at Pea Ridge with my Indian braves, But there McCullough, Mcintosh, and Pike ^lade them behave themselves like gentlemen. Curtis was also sober as a judge. So sons of Belial had no chance for sport. But twent}" thousand armed on either side Fought like young catamounts for two whole days. Thousands were captured, sickened, wounded, slain. McCullough, Mcintosh, and others fell, But the grand battle had no marked result. Mammon. My clients seeking cotton claimed my care. So with Burnside and Goldsboro I went To capture Eoanoke Island and New Berne. Three thousand prisoners were there secui-ed. When Pope attacked New Madrid I was there; Went with him down to Island Number Ten — 12 178 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Saw it bombarded more than twenty days, Until five thousand men surrendered there. Then came with Butler up to New Orleans, After six days bombardment of the forts. Satan. Then you too must have learned the art of war. Mammon. Not I, for fighting never was my trade. But I have learned to " capture " — that's the word Used in the army, and the navy too. Men of all ranks have taught me that fine art. And 1 am ready now to graduate. They capture horses, cows, and merchandise, With now and then a well-trained negro cook, Man-servant or maid-servant, if you please. And 'tis reported parsons steal a church In the great name of God and loyalty. But I must hush— the great men come this way. There's Farragut, no blot upon his name ; And there is Porter —on his lofty brow Hereditary honors clust'ring thick ; And General Butler spurns the ground he treads. Scene: Malvern Hill, twelve miles from Richmond, Ya., July 10, 18G2. Satan, JNIars. Satan. What say you now about my " skirmishes?" I want your present views of this campaign. Give me some lessons in the art of war. Mars. The Shenandoah conflicts, though but brief, Exceeded all that I had ever seen. Never before had twenty thousand men Performed such wonders in so short a time Against such numbers led by noted chiefs. Shields and Fremont were war-worn veterans, Gen'rals triumphant over Mexicans. Banks had fought many battles with his tongue. Licked Abolition cohorts into shape, And conquered troops of rampant Congressmen; But Jackson easily outgeneraled them, Gave their green laurels to the frosty winds, Blending their names with his undying fame. rir.IITIXG TOO FVIIKLV. 179 Satun. VriiaL think you of McCIclUurs slniU-i,^y? Mars. Ilaviiiii; the railroads, rivcrp, l)a3', aiul sea, lie should have lauded upon solid ground, As near to Riehniond as was possible, Kesoi'vini^ all his lorce for one great fight. And then pressed in, no nuitter at what cost. Ilis month at Yorktowu, fight at Williamsburg, Four weeks devoted to a tiresome march. Served but to place exhausted, weary troops AVhere fresh ones might have been two months before. But toil-worn as the}' were, they bravely fought, A day at AVest Point, two days at Fair Oaks, Left Johnston wounded, Eichmond's gates ajar, Inviting Northern troops to march right in. But ill-judged prudence sounded a retreat To Malvern Hill, where victory again Placed in McClellan's hands Richmond's bright keys. He did not use them, but led off his troops Some miles away, and farther down the stream. Far less than half the blood shed at Oak Grove, Mcchanicsville, Gaines's Mill, Glendalc, Oak Swamp, Or Savage Station, or at Frazier's Farm, AVould at Fair Oaks, or even Malvern Hill, Have placed in Richmond fivescore thousand men, In spite of all the troops that could oppose. The thunders that have loudly echoed hero Through the sad moments of a di-eadful week, And ail the blood Virginia's soil drank in Have been in vain. Thirty thousand deaths Fill this broad land with tearful, sobbing grief. Satan. Please give me your o]>inion in few words Of Southern strategy and its defects. Mars. They fight too freelj^, too incautiously. Of the best soldiers earth has ever seen. They have too few to waste such precious lives. McClcUan errs upon the other hand: His countless troops, like apples of his eyes, Are screened from harm. He hates to sec them fight, Lest his dear pets should sleep in soldiers' gi-aves. 180 THE AMERICAN EPIC. 'Tis Richmond that the Union forces want. The South has slaves and spades enough at hand To let its sons behind intrenchments tight, Wherever it is known the foe will come. Why not encircle Richmond with earth walls, The inner one outside of cannon range. Then bid the foe come on and take the place? See there the Northern heroes of this war! Porter and Mansfield, Hooker, Kearney, Sykes; And there McClellan, idol of his troops. BOOK NINTH. Scene: FrciJcrlchhurg, ]'a., December 15, 18GJ. Satax, Maks. Satan. Ila! ha I ha! hal this is the proudest hour That I have known. Yes, " proud as Lucifer," Is what men say. Hereafter let them say: " Proud as great Lucifer at Fredericksburg." Behold the smoking- ruins of that town ; Gaze on those thousands of unburied dead; List to the shrieks and groans that fill the air Is this Dahomey, Turkey, or Fiji? No. Washington in boyhood trod this soil. Here Patrick Henry's grateful countrymen Escorted him t'ward Philadelphia, When he had driven Dunmore from the land. But now I triumph! triumph even here! I've led a few fanatical, rash men To fire the sections with intensest hate, And by that hatred turned to bitterness The richest gifts bestowed upon mankind; Their noblest virtues vices have become; Their excellences lead them down to death. West Point has trained them for my hellish work, Their education fits them for my use. Chivalric courage dooms them to the grave ; Their hoarded wealth prolongs the dreadful fight; Superior skill provides most deadly arms; And piety makes conscience drive them on To deeds that hell itself might blush to own. 'Tis war no longer; it is hatred ci-azee for such results From my most eherislied, sanguinaiy schemes. Inform me, Mars, about this last campaign. (181J ^ ii k MMM^m^^^i^^h m'clellan dismissed. 183 Mars. At Cedar Mountain Jackson routed Banks; Then, hast'ning to Manassas, captured trains And troops and stores beyond all estimate; Fio-htino; ut Bull Eun and at Centerville, And tightinii; at Chantilly, caused the flight Of Pope and his whipped troops to Washington. There, at his own request, he was relieved. His army, added to McClellan's force. Followed the fortunes of that careful chief, Who hurried back to trembling Washington, And calmed the fears of Stanton and his friends. AVhen August ended, Lee began again To seek for enemies in Maiyland — His men took Frederick, and passing on Without resistance entei'ed Hagerstown. Jackson, at Harper's Ferry, captured Miles And his twelve thousand men, with arms and stores; Then hastened to join Lee at Antietam, AVhere, after four days' fighting, Lee retired. 'Twas a drawn battle, where each army lost More than ten thousand men and nothing gained. Then " On to Eichmond ! " was the cry again Of millions armed with very sharp steel pens. The politicians asked McClellan's head. Lest victory should make him President. When read}' to take Eichmond, they required Protection for themselves in Washington. The waters all were his. He trusted them To land him safely where a ten-mile march Would bring him to the Southern capital. But those bad men whose hatred of the South And bold bravadoes first provoked the war Ecquired him to fight along a line By which the foe might by a hasty march Lay hold on their puissant carcasses. The brave man yielded to their craven fears, While pity for his soldiers wrung his heart, That they must siill'ei- for the cownrdicc Of place-men who conl foiled liieir destinies. Then they removed him from his post of ])ower. Promoting Burnside to the chief command. 184 THE AMERICAN EPIC. The rest you know. There's Mosby, A. P. llill, Pickett, and Stuart, Early, Jackson, Loo. Scene: Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 3,1863. Satan, INIars. Satan. This seems the strangest battle ever fought. Two days ago Rosccrans was badly whipped. To-day his troops were forced across the stream. At three o'clock Confed'rates claimed the day, But his well-placed, well-served artillery Began to mow them down like ripened grain, Until they now retire in swift retreat. The new year's early hours are red with blood Drawn from the veins of twenty thousand men. Please tell me. Mars, what news from other fields ? Mars. Kentucky was last year the scene of strife. At Richmond, Kirby Smith drove Manson out. Then visited at Lexington, Yersailles, Frankfort, and other noted, prosp'rous towns. And threatened Cincinnati and the North. Then Bragg came in, by Buell closely watched. At Munfordsville he captured prisoners; Then, seeking to unite with Kirby Smith, Gave Buell time to rest at Louisville, And gather re-enforcements from the North. At Perryville the armies met and fought. Brave men were slain, but without marked results. 'Twas a drawn battle. Bragg and Smith retired AVith great deliberation from the State, Taking away four thousand wagon-loads Of ]irecious stores and many animals. Which had been gathered during forty days. Price was repulsed from luka by Grant; Van Born and Price from Corinth by Rosecrans; Sherman was whip])ed at Chickasaw Bayou. You have not time for other dry details, But must be interested to behold ■Rosecrans and Thomas, heroes of this fight. Scene: Guinnfs Slailon, Va., May o, 1SG3. Satan, Ma:^.s. Mars. Hooker retreats; the battle ceases here. "stone wall " JACKSOX 's DKA TIL 185 In three diiys' flighting his o;reat anny lost Seventeen thonsaiul well-dnlled veterans. Lee is victorious, yet he has lost More than his enemy a thousand-fold. Jackson has fallen, and he soon must die. In vict'ry's lovini:; ai-ms the hero fell, Admired and honored by his fiercest foes. The trump of fame sounds forth his glorious name In every land where valor is esteemed. Satan. Foe as I am to all the hated race, Toiling through ages most malignantly, To Avork its ruin through eternity, I must confess he triumphed over me ! From my maliciousness extorted praise. Mars. His last great battle was a masterpiece Of strategy and valor well combined. He fell not by a foeman's f\ital shot. The men who slew him would have gladly risked Ten thousand deaths to save their hero's life. Behold the wounded warrior on his couch Serenely waiting the approach of death. That open window shows his maidy face. Let us retire; see, holy angels come. With duteous love the hero to attend. Satax and Mars rrtirc. Enter Gabriel, Uzziel, Ithuriel, Raphael, Abdiel, Zophiel, Zephon, Ariel, Zadkiel, Israfiel, chanting: "Rest for the toiling hand, rest for the anxious brow. Rest for the weary, way-sore feet, rest from all labor now ; Rest for the fevered brain, rest for the throbbing eye; Through these parched lips of thine no more shall pass the moan or sigh." "Go to the grave in all th}' glorious prime. In full activity of zeal and ])ower ! A Christian cannot die before his time. The Lord's ap])ointment is the servanfs hour. Go to the gr.'ivc; ;it noon from labor cease; Rest on thy sheaves; thy harvest task is done; Come from the heat of battle and in peace. Soldier, go home with thee, the light is won." 186 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Scene: Gettysburg, Pa., July 4, 1863. Michael, Itiiuriel, Zeph- ON, Ariel, Gabriel, Raphael. Michael. All luiil, ye servants of the Lord Most High ! I summoned you to meet me here to-day To wait on men in this their hour of need. 'Twas ours to meet on Independence Day In this same State at Philadelphia When this republic struggled into life. We all were helpful at its wondrous birth. Please tell me what I gave you then to do? Ithuriel. 1 tore the mask from base hypocrisj'', Exposed the cloven foot of treachery. Abdiel. 1 urged the slow-paced few to promptly act, Zephon. I gave the timid most courageous thoughts. Ariel. To the desponding I gave cheering hoj^es. Baphael. To Jefferson I taught the use of words That Georgia and New England could approve. He had denounced the slave trade in such terms As they could never use with self-respect. New England would not thus condemn her sons For trafficking in human flesh and blood. The profits of the trade were dear to her. AVhile Georgia would not do without the slaves, Nor would the gen'rous Carolinians. Gabriel. I gave John Adams moving eloquence That won men over to his righteous cause. Michael. And we and all the sons of God rejoiced To see such loving union among men ; Hoping for peace" through this broad continent. And freedom from all kinds of tyranny. How is it with this nation we have served? Men celebrate their country's natal day, Not with glad greetings, worshiping their God, But 'mid the ruins of a three days' fight. Where more than fifty thousand veterans, Killed or disabled, call for briny tears; IIKAVKX THE BOSOM OF JoUN UIIOWX. 187 Or, as at Yicksburi;, thirty thousand men Aro btarvcd or sUiin by their own countrymen. Are these the fruits of all our careful toil? Gabriel. No, Michael, tlicsc aro fruits of hellisli hato Between the sections of this favored land. .MIXISTKKING ANGELS. Until the ,«,^ospel of the Son of tJcxl Shall drive this fiendish hatred far away, Discord and strife and malice must prevail. Michael. But, Gabriel, these dcstroyini;r forces c That Christ and conscience drive them to such do laim cds. 188. THE AMEBIC AX EPIC. Bishops and saints pray mightily to God That slaughterers of men may have success. Even the dying, like Mohammedans, Claim glory in the heavens for killing men. Their ci-owns arc gifts from Christ, but kindred blood Shed by their holy hands in this great war Adds glory to the brightest of those crowns. Both have high hopes of being with the Lord, But Southern men to Stonewall Jackson go ; While the great North in the sad hour of death Goes shouting to the bosom of John Brown. Such silliness may hope to be excused, But how can such malevolence escape Just visitations of the wrath to come? Gabriel. Michael, you state sad, mortifying trutns. A most perplexing question you propound. But God is good and Christ for sinners died. Satan deceives his selfish scheming dupes, And they mislead and craze the multitude. The hatred of the sections is indulged Against imaginary, unknown foes. The malice and malignity they feel Are venomous against such fancied ghouls As politicians paint to madden them. When these men ftice to face associate, No longer hoodwinked by the fiends that lead. Malevolence is banished, and they love Like brothers of one holy family. Hancock and Lee* and Meade and Stuart feci No hellish hatred against gallant foes. So of the war-worn"soldiers of their ranks; To know each other kindles ardent love. Thousands of brave, unhappy sufterers RL'(|uire our aid upon this battle-field. Let us to duty. There is Gcn'ral Meade, Attentive to the wounded and the sick; And thei-e is Hancock, wounded and in pain. Scone: Vicl.shwg, Miss., Juhf -j, 1SG3. Satan, Mars, Mammon, Celial. Satan. How c-oes the siege ? "Whv does it last so long? srnni:xi)En or vicKsnrua. 189 Mars. 'Tis (lcs])'ralo valor uiion either side Prolongs the siiif'ings of these val'rous men, But the Confed'rates now nuist yield or starve. Arkansas Post fell early in the spi-inc;, Surrenderini,^ five thousand valiant men To Porter's ti^un-boats and MeClernand's troo])s. Gran.t soui;:ht the rear of Yieksburo; throui^h the swamps, The mud, the bayous, and the i-uo-o-cd hills; Then tried to turn the river from the town By dig-gino^ deep canals to change its course. Failing in that, he passed the thund'ring forts With even less of harm than ho had feared; Then took ^vith ease Port Gibson and Grand Gulf. The Union troops gained hard-earned victories At Jackson, Raymond, and at Champion Hills; In a fierce conflict at Black Piver bridge Whipped Pemberton, and forced him to retreat Within the strong defenses of Yicksburg. Crrant, two days later, made a bold assault, Hoping successfully to storm the place; But was repulsed v,-ith loss of many men. Since then, through more than seven bloody weeks. The fight continues with great loss of life. Satan. 'Tis said that thirt}^ thousand half-starved men Surrender on this Independence Day; And that Fort Hudson, now besieged by Banks, Must also fall, thus op'ning to the Gulf The unrestricted commerce of the West, And with a wall of waters fencing off Western Confed'rates from their brethren East. Mammon. Then what a harvest will my clients reap I The plunder of a hundred thousand homes, Besides the cotton-bales and contrabands. Belial. And the companions of my revchy Will sport amid the wrecks of families — White, red, and black, the lofty and the low. Mars. The firing ceases I Sec that flag of truce I Its snowy folds above the ruins fliKit. 190 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. Peace, ])]eniy, rest, and joy it promises. The torn and tattered stars and bai's come down; The stars and stripes rise grandly o'er the scene. There's plenty now for the starved garrison. See Penibcrton and Grant and McPherson ! Scene: Chiclcamuuga Creel:, Gn., September 20, 1SG3. Satan, Mam- mon, Belial, Mars. Satan. Yv^hcneecome you, Mammon? whitlier have you been ? Mammon. I came from Charleston, where DuPont's great fleet Was badly whipped in April of this year. Where in July Dahlgren and Clilmore went To batter forts and crush them into dust. September saw Confederates retire Within the lines of their heroic town. Their enemies advanced their batteries AVithin four miles of Charleston's wharfs and stores; Thence the " swamp angels " belched forth streams of fire From blazing mouths on the devoted place. But there is not much cotton we can take, Nor many slaves as yet within our reach. Satan. Belial, say, where have you been since Ave met? Belial. From Vicksburg I went out to Arkansas; Saw Holmes and his eight thousand badly whipped, And from Helena driven quite away. Saw Steele take Little Eock, and force his foes To leave in haste with ever-quick' ning speed. I wished for Mammon — cotton was at hand, And I was almost tempted then to buy. But the best day of all that I enjoyed Was spent at Lawrence with my friend Quantrcll. It brought to mind old Sodom's wildest hours, With memories of days before tho flood. IIATTLE OF CIllCKAMAVCA. 191 Satan. Mars, wc luivc soinctliinj^ nuK-li more serious hero; The mighty Julius would have called this war. Mars. Yes, such attacks as Longstrcct made to-day, And such as Thomas stubbornly repulsed, Are unsurpassed in all earth's bloody wars. The Union right and center have been crushed. The troops killed, wounded, captured, or dispersed The scattered fragments of great army corps To Chattanooga in disorder flee, Soldiers and gen'rals all demoralized. But look at Thomas, how he holds his place, And keeps his men in order round his tiag. In spite of war's dread cyclone raging round. Where sunrise saw him sunset sees him still. Protected by the darkness he'll retire. And in good order lead his valiant troops To help their cowering comrades organize, And show the world "Virginia blood still tells." With fort}^ thousand stalwart vet'rans lost. Darkness descends to part the combatants. Satan. What think you now. Will Eosecrans have to yield. Surrendering the remnant of his force? Mars. No, Hooker comes with two strong arm}' corps, And Sherman also with his mighty force, And Grant, with his high honors newly gained, Must gather lofty laurels for his brow. Though they niay grow above bleak mountain heights, Or hide among the curtains of the skies. These Fed'ral troops will not surrender now; They'll fight for victory and drive their foes. See Bragg, Polk, Longstrcct, Johnston, come this way. With Breckinridge, Ilood, Ewcll, following. * Scene: Lookout Mountain, Term., November 25, ISGS. Satax, ^Mapj?. Satan. When men fought yesterday " above the clouds," I was not hero to witness their bravo deeds. I had expected Bragg to start the fray 192 THE AM Eli WAN EPIC. And cany Chattanooga by assault. He did give notice that non-combatants Might be removed away to some safe place. I missed the battle, but would see it now Through 3'our keen ej'es — or rather hear of it From your glib tongue. I wait — I wish to learn. Mars. Two days ago, with quietness and care, The troops of Hooker crossed the Tennessee, And rested near the mouth of Lookout Creek, Quite unobserved by the Confederates. l3ay dawned upon a land obscured by fogs. Two hours sufficed to take the rifle-pits That swept the foot-hills with their leaden hail; Then up the steep ascent bold thousands rushed Onward and skyward to the jaws of death. Crowding each other upward through the storm T'ward the red mouths of scores of thund'ring guns. Of the tierce conflict on that tow'ring height Between the very bravest of brave men No words of mine can adequately tell; But soon down Lookout Mountain's eastern side Confed'rates fled, all tumbling down the steep, Mingling with rocks and rifles as they rolled, Until by two oclock the men in blue, Beneath their flag held all the mountain-top, And saw their foes escape to Mission Eidge, "Where they have since been well reorganized. Thus I've described the fight " above the clouds," But you can now behold it for yourself, As if you had but loudly cried "Encore," And actors come again to play for you. A larger army climbs to Mission Ridge To drive a foe intrenched and wide-awake. Yes, we'll have more than royal sport again. With larger forces more distinctly seen. See Hooker's braves descend the mountain side. They cross the Chattanooga and ascend. With lion leaps, for up the south-west slope Of Mission Ridge. Sherman has boldly passed The Chickamauga and the Tennessee. FKHlTlNd AHOVK THE CLOUDS. 193 His fearless troops, like houiuliiiG; ti<;ers, climb The north declivity. Thomas awaits The word that hurls uphill against the foe 11 is val'rous tighting host's resistless might. Time's tardy stop has left high noon behind More than an hour ago. No order comes P'or all to join in a combined assault. 'Tis two o'clock ! Grant speaks the mighty word That moves in majesty, with earthquake force. Forward and upward the whole armament, As if to scale the skies and capture heaven. Such warfare mortals never waged before, Nor all the fabled hosts that classic times Gave to Olympian heights and groves and clouds. Satan. Well might Confed'ratcs yield and flee away. By them all Tennessee is lost and left. The conquerors triumphant now return: Grant, Thomas, Hooker, Sherman, McPherson. Scene: Covington, Ky., November 20, tSGS. Ariel, Raphael. Ariel. Whoso gallant form is that with active step Treading Kentucky's soil so joyfully? Raphael. 'Tis John 11. Morgan, whose heroic deeds Admiring millions gayly celebrate, And crown with praises worthy of the name Of him who led his troops to victories That seemed impossible to other men. Ariel. He walks these streets with the majestic air Of an archangel just returned to heav'n. Raphael. This most romantic of all cavaliers Eode rashly on where danger led the way. As if to court adventures fearlessly, And throw himself into the arms of death. Yet he was gentle to the little ones, With smiles for beauty, and the tenderness Of friendship toward 'his nuni'rous prisoners. 13 194 THK AMERICAN EPIC. Ariel. What brings him here, and why sccnis ho so glad To set his feet upon Kentucky ground? Raphael. He is the idol of Kentuckians : His enemies admire his gallantry. Last summer he attacked the great North-west With but two thousand bold Kentucky boys; Captured six thousand of his enemies, Destroyed ten millions of their property, With thirty thousand thund'ring at his heels. But he was captured, and his enemies Confined him in their penitentiary. They thought that they'd disgrace their prisoner, But most egregiously disgraced themselves By their base treatment of a gentleman Whose gallantry had never been surpassed. Morgan outwitted them, and has escaped To dazzle them with other glorious deeds. Scene: Pleasant Hill, La., April 9,1864. Maes, Mammon, Belial. Mammon. Great son of Jupiter, what brings you here? Belial and I have business everywhere. But battles and the like belong to you. Had fighting here, you saj-, where B commands. Mars. Yes, three grand armies were to meet near hero, And with the help of Porter's flotilla Take Shreveport from Confederates with ease. Mammon. And did they do it? And if not, why not ? Mars. Smith and the fleet took several river towns, But here at Mansfield and at Pleasant Hill B lost three thousand men and all his guns. With rich supply trains to the enemy; And but for the brave fighting Gen'ral Smith Captivity had been the fate of B Mammon. Was not this general many months ago Made " commissary of great Stonewall's troopH?" And does he now serve "Eouo-h and Ready's" son. With equal skill in this Red River land? QUE AT NEW ENG LANDERS. 195 Belial. Mammon, shame on you for your badinage. You'll 80on attack that other General B. Ilemonibcr I too claim a share in Ben, If he loves money, he loves pleasure too. What if they are "no ^enei'als to hurt? " They work the wires of party with pucccss, And seize a share of good things as they pass. Think not to find men gi'cat in every thing, Nor in one spot to gather all that's great. Nor every kind of greatness that is great, Not e'en in that great spot that gave the world The two great generals, B and B. . . . You'll own it has fair women and wise men, And poets that can fight, in soft, smooth rhymes, And pulpits that can utter words of hate, And scores of wordy transcendentalists, Ecady in hitchy language to admit That possibly, if propei-ly received. High Boston culture in two thousand years Might make their Saviour equal to themselves! Mars. I will not listen to the trifling talk Of two such worthless fiends about great men And that great spot that gave them to mankind ! What ! Shall a brace of cpauleted B.'s, Or a whole swarm of callow generals. And a few learned transcendentalists, And some malignant, spiteful pulpiteers. Joined with disciples of hate's horrid school, Obscure the glory of a land that boasts Greene, Warren, Prescott, Sullivan, Frank Pierce— The Union's patriot heroes in their day? And the great names of Adams, Fisher Ames, Webster and Caleb Gushing, tried and true— The Union's statesmen and great orators; And Union literati such as Dwight, Paine, Bryant, Ilalleck, Banci-oft. Hawthorne, Sprague And great inventors, Franklin, Whitney, Morse? And merchants whose unrivaled enter]irise Sent winter's icy fetters round the world And brought them back transmuted into gold? 196 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Know yc that men shall glory in that land Long after hatred's minions, hurled from pow'r, Shall end their spiteful, ignominious lives, To rest in graves unhonored and unknown. See! There is Taylor and his valiant staff. He has chased off his conquered enemies, And well secured his num'rous prisoners; Has gathered his rich spoils of victory. And now returns with his triumphant troops. Scene: Cold Harbor, twelve miles north-east of Richmond, Va., June 4, 1S64. Michael, Gabriel, Zephon, Raphael, Abdiel, Ithu- EIEL. Zephon. Tell us, ye leaders of the heavenly host, Why this fair land's so drenched with human blood. Muriel. 'Tis said that Grant is losing, month by month, Sixty or eighty thousand fighting men; And that he now proposes to move round South of James Eiver, where he might have been Two months ago without the loss of one. Why this unnecessary waste of life? Gabriel. The men who cursed this land with fiendish war Keep the brave troops between themselves and harm. Behind their well-manned forts they shudder still At sounds of horses' hoofs borne from the South, Though these vast armies face their Southern foes, And die to save them from their ragged ranks. Zephon. I understand how bravest of the brave Ma}'^ die to save base cowardly poltroons; What I would learn is why such slaughter here? Gabriel. When fed'ral force made war on other States, It was against the great organic law By which the thirteen nations became one. 'Twas usurpation, fraud, and despotism; A rash subversion of the government; For all the States refused to grant that pow'r. But when fanatic fury dared to strike The grand majer.tie mother of the States, VIHGIXIA's M'mKXGS AVENGED. VM Virginia in her monumental home, The'saered citadel of liberty, 'Twas ingrate, cruel, matricidal crime! This sovereign Slate entered tlie Union free To leave at will should it abuse its ])owers. 'Twas she gave millions liberty and law, "With Washington to guard them with his sword, And Jefferson to write their principles And Madison to give organic form To their well-guarded fed'ral government. And Marshall" to apply those righteous laws To real life in freedom's highest court. "With lavish liberality she gave Her vast domain to make the Union strong, Adding six mighty States to the bright band. Virginians bought Louisiana's realm; Traxjcd its broad bound'ry to the western sea That laves far distant Asia's sunny shore; Virginians purchased Florida from Spain, Led Texan troops on San Jacinto's field, And re-annexed the Texan soil and men; Virginians led the troops in Mexico That won the lands toward the setting sun; And a Virginian did negotiate The treaty that conveyed those vast domains. She tried to reconcile the headstrong hosts That sought to kindle strife between the States. She boroVith patience insults, threats, and wrongs Until the Northern faction spurned the hand Outstretched by her to ward off civil war. "War came — she had no hatreds in her heart. She fought the invaders of her sacred soil, For principles, defending sovereign rights, As men on earth had never fought before. The leader of her sons called fiercest foes, In loving tones, " Our friends, the enemy." Raphael. Yes, and her homes, with hospitable haste. Oft spread her feasts to feed her enemies. Ahdiel. She gave high honors to her bravo compeers Of other States who fought upon her soil; 198 THE AMEIilCAN EPIC. But at tlio post of danger placed her sons, To bear the brunt in many a hard-fought field. Michael. Vainly her foes have subsidized mankind To bring their hireling foi'ces from all lands. Her loving children formed a living wall Around the immortal mother of the brave. Four bloody years they've fought a world in arms, Until her enemies turn to her slaves To cry, " O help us, help us, or we fail." Ahdiel, But do not Northern armies have brave men. True patriotic sons of liberty? Men worthy of great honor and renown ? Michael. They do, and their brave deeds inscribe their names High on the records of undying fame, As witness Hancock, McPherson, and G-rant, And many of their worthy, brave compeers. Ahdiel. In other States they win great victories. Why should they here wear laurels soaked in blood ? Michael. I answer, to avenge Virginia's wrongs, And highly honor her devoted sons. Give to the Fed'ral hero honor due: He falls obedient to his honored State, Or lives to wear the honors she bestows. Like the brave Spartans at Thermopylae, He moves obedient to a law's command. The accident of birth or prejudice Determined where he bravely lived or died. Give him your hearty sympathy and prayers, But let your condemnation rest upon The politicians who provoked the war By trampling on the compacts of their sires. Scene: Atlanta, Ga., July 10, 1864. Satan, Map.?. Satan. How go the battles? Tell me, god of war. 3fars. Lee is in Petersburg, besieged by Grant. Here in Atlanta Johnston is besieged. SHERMAN REPULSED. 199 Grant moved toward Eichmond on the fourth of May; Leo fouijflit him in the Wilderness three days, Then three days more near Spottsylvania. June came. Cold Harbor saw Gi-ant's legions hurled In desperation against Lee's command, Until ten thousand fell in half an hour. Less than one month of such fierce warfare gave Near fourscore thousand of Grant's veterans To gory graves or to disabling wounds — A larger number than Lee's gallant force! The Fed'ral chief then turned toward Petersburg To ground he might have reached without a fight, While Grant sought Richmond o'er a bloody road, Three thousand soldiers and a few cadets Attacked and routed fifteen thousand men. The men fought under Sigel. The brave boys Were led by Breckinridge to victory. Then to the far-famed valley Hunter came, In expectation of submissive prey. But Early, having less than half his force. Drove the foul fire-fiend in hot haste away Bej^ond the AUeghanies, towai'd the west. At last accounts Early and Breckinridge Had whipped Lew Wallace at Monacacy, And scared almost to death the trembling crew That rules the nation now at Washington. As to these men whose movements we behold, They marched from Chattanooga May the seventh. At Dalton sixty thousand well-drilled troops Were flanked by twice their number and fell back. Kesaca's two days' fighting was in vain: On the fifteenth commenced a forced retreat. At Dallas fighting was again renewed, Lost Mountain next became their battle-ground. A three days' fifjht led Johnston to retreat. At Kennesaw Hood was repulsed with loss. Fiv^e (isLys elapsed, and June the twenty-eighth Saw iSherman's fierce assault and his rejiulse; When he would strike and storm great Kennesaw He failed, but his flank movenients drove his foe Into Atlanta early yesterday. 200 THE AMERICAN EPIC, Around this place will fiercest conflicts rage; For if it yields, the South will lose car-works, Machine-shops, foundries, arms, and army stores; And Sherman march triumphant to the sea. 'Tis said that Johnston's Fabian policy Is criticised by many wordy ones, Who ask for battles — battles every day; And that the cautious chief must stand aside And give his place to one more venturesome. See, there is McPherson, this army's pride. He reconnoiters the defenses now. Scene : Winchester, Va., October 22, 1864. Abdiel, Ithuriel, Zeph- ON, Raphael. Abdiel. Comrades, call forth with s^'mpathetic speed The swift-winged ministers of heavenly help. The people of this valley need their aid. With ribald mirth their enemies proclaim That sword and ax and torch have made this land So desolate that birds of rapid flight In passing o'er it must provide their food, And take it with them on their desert way. As to the people they have doomed to die. They say starvation is too good for them. Zephon. Why so ? Arc they the worst of Adam"s race? Ithuriel. God and good angels say they arc the best. Raphael. What then is charged against these suffering ones ? Abdiel. Defense of native land and native home. Earth has no holier homesteads for her tribes Than decked this valley and these mountain sides. Zephon. Why, then, these horrid vandal outrages? Abdiel. The dastard cruelty of those who rule The war department of a Christian land Finds nothing that can soothe their quaking fears While this heroic valley feeds its sons. The name of Shenandoah strikes alarms KUIXS OF ATLANTA. 201 Throncjh every craven heart in Wa>^hington. Hence the great valley suffers fur tlie frights Her children gave to craven tyrant's hearts. Raphael. But what avails the malice of a foe Who wreaks his vengeance on the saints of God? The slain Avear crowns of truniph with the Lord, The wounded have the comforts of his grace. This fertile soil shall soon renew the wealth Barbarian hands have given to the flames. Zephon. How sad the thought that thousands of the brave Shed their rich blood to fertilize these lands, Lest cowardice should meet its dreaded doom ! How hard that one so brave as Sheridan With arson's flames must scorch his laurel-wreaths, And to felonious deeds train men in arms ! Behold the youthful hero of the torch: Him pity, while you censure his vile deeds. Scene: Ruim of Atlanta, Ga., November 14, 1SG4. Maks, Satan, Mammon, Belial. Mars. Call you this war? or is it felony Arrayed in all the pride and pomp of arms? Mammon. 'Tis arson marching in a warlike garb. And barbarism licensed to destroy. Satan. 'Tis the accomplishment of well-laid plans, Which I have worked for nearly fourscoi-e years. The hatreds of the sections I have stirred Until they stop at nothing in their rage. It was not thus that Scott fought Mexico, Nor thus that Grant and Sherman learned to fight. 'Twas I that taught this modern art of war. Mammon. This burning property finds no excuse, Nothing to palliate such wanton waste. Mars. My grand old heathen heroes would have scorned To drive out Avidows from their peaceful homes 202 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. Or banish infancy from cradle-beds. Tliey fought with men — with stalwart men in arras. Rome's worst lanatics never could have driv'u The mighty Julius to perform such deeds. Satan. I marvel greatly at my own success In banishing from peaceful, quiet homes Defenseless thousands to far western scenes To toil among their distant enemies, Or die from home and much loved native land. Belial. So do I. How was it all contrived ? Satan. These Georgians are the saints of the Most High. His angels guard and train them for the skies; His providence works all things for their good. But earthly retribution gave me power To have them banished as the Cherokees, By Georgians banished, lost their native land. Mammon. God gave the Cherokees a better land. He'll make these Georgians profit by their loss ! So end in disappointment all our schemes Against the servants of the Lord most high. Satan. Mammon, you have of late grown insolent. Like other purse-proud people, you're too bold. Belial. Yes, that he is. He even prates against My chosen crony, great Tecumseh S. What if he does burn towns and cities here? That Indian name avenges Cherokees. Mars. The red Tecumseh whose great name he wean Never made war on women and on babes, Nor fired the cities of his enemies. A thousand Proctors, Stantons, or the like. In vain had put red torches in his hands. Satan. More than four months have passed since we met here. Then Johnston was besieged by mighty hosts. Please tell us how the war is going since. JOHNSTON SUPERSEDED BY HOOD. 203 Mars. Johnston was superseded by brave Hood. In three assaults upon the Union lines Tiie new commander lost more lighting men Than Johnston had in quite as many months. At last to save his army Hood marched off, And with September Sherman entered in And took possession of his costly prize, In four months losing forty thousand men, Among them McPherson, his noblest chief. He still has sixty thousand well-armed troops Marching triumphant eastward to the sea; While liood moves backward, hoping to cut off Sherman's connection with the great North-west. Yain hope ! He leads his heroes back to face O'erwhelming numbers of his well-drilled foes, Led by the very ablest of their chiefs. One only chance has he of victory : Fanatic fury never can forgive Thomas for being born on Southern soil. The imbeciles at Washington propose To move the gcn'ral from his high command. 'Tis said that Grant puts Logan in his place. If this be done, Hood may expect success. Satan. What of the armies under Lee and Grant? Mars. They fight like crazy fiends at Petersbur;;, Where greedy, gaping graves swallow in haste Uncounted thousands slaughtered day by day, Eeplaced by victims drawn from ev'ry land. Satan. You told of Early threat'ning Washington, Alarming the weak rulers of the land. Whipping Lew Wallace near Monocacy. AVas he allowed in safety to escape? Mars. He was; and took vast quantities of stores. Wriirht followed him as far as Winchester. But' Early turned and drove Wright's army bade; Then captured Chambersburg, demanding cash To pay for buildings Hunter had burned down, 204 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Which they refused. Then, to retaliate, He turned barbarian, and sent a torch To fire the town ; retreated from the State, With rich suppUcs of niihtary stores. Then Sheridan, with forty thousand men, Defeated Early and began his work Of desolation with both ax and torch. Leaving his vandal task to underlings, lie sought his patrons at the capital. To tell of all the wonders he had ^vrought. Early returned, surprised the Union camp, Scattered and drove the troops like frightened sheep, Took their artillery and all their stores. Then the Confed'rates stopped to rest and eat. But Sheridan, returning, met his men, Turned back the fugitives and made them fight. Till they recovered the great guns they lost. And with them won a noted victory. Since then the war-worn valley's plundered homes Have no defense against consuming fires. The helplessness of outraged innocence Sees food and barns and mills and fences blaze, Revealing famine's ghastly countenance. Satan. How fares the navy in these fighting times? Mars. The Union fleets blockade the Southern coasts, Seal up Confederate jjorts and banish trade. Lieutenant Gushing sunk the "Albemarle" In Roanoke River with a torpedo. 'Twas bi-avely done, and won him much applause. In Mobile Harbor Farragut displayed Great skill and courage as an admiral. Lashed to his flag-ship's rigging he remained Till forts and ships and monster iron-clad rams Pulled down their flags and Mobile was his prize. Confed'rate ships have fought most gallantly. Destroying commerce at a fearful rate. Making their flag the terror of the seas, But gaining nothinir for their sinking cause. Yet "Alabama," " Sumter," " Florida," THE "ALABAMA DESTROYED. 205 And other softly spoken Soutlicrn names Sent consternation among Northern ships. When Semmes met Winslow on the coast of France, A foeman worthy of his steel was found. THE "SUMTER" CHASED BY THE "IROQUOIS. An hour of battle ended in defeat To Semmes, who saw the "Alabama" sunk. An Eiiii:lish yacht saved the brave captain's life. But Winslow on the " Kearsari^e " won the fight. And proudly walked his deck a concpicror. BOOK TENTH. Scene : Tlie Capitol, Nashville, Term., December 10, IS04. Mars. From this proud Capitol how grand the view Rome's seven hills by seven multiplied Could never match what we behold to-day; Nor had the Tiber, in its hour of pride, Such sparkling waters as the Cumberland, Nor all antiquity a braver man Than he whose statue will adorn these grounds. ' His heroism might have well sufficed For twice ten thousand ordinary men, With quite enough to make a Ca>sar left. The recollection of his glorious deeds, Inspiring generations yet unborn With patriotic valor, shall raise up Defenders of his much loved native land Against all foes throughout all time to come. Satan. What of the living issues of these times? What can you say of yesterday's great fight? Mars. Thomas, the conq'ring hero of the da}^, Is much the ablest gen'ral of the North, But never fully trusted by the men AVho rule to ruin this great government. To serve them he had ti\ampled on State pride, Fought for his wife and her compatriots. Gave his Virginia talents to their cause, Won vict'ries for tlicm, saved them in defeat, Endured Virginia's blushes and her frowns, Through sadd'ning years of sanguinaiy war. The rulers, hating his brave Southern blood. Had issued orders, and had sent them on, Dismissing Thomas from his high command. (20G) GES. HOOD AT XASIIVILLE. 207 Satan. How could he load the army if removed? Mars. Ills generalship had taught him wheu to strike And viet'ry taught the prudent messenger That orders from his master came too late To vanquish such a victor and disgrace The hero of so many gallant deeds. Hood had come north'^ indulging in high hopes; At Franklin fought with Schofield, who retired Behind intrenchments Thomas had thrown up, GENERAL HOOD'S HEAD-QUARTERS NEAR NASHVILLE. While Hood made ready to begin the siege, Thomas moved from his works and routed him. Hood and his men fought bravely to the last; But 3'csterday his blooding, shattered ranks Turned sadly southward, fleeing from their foes, With five and twenty thousand comrades lost. Thomas and Schofield, coming up the walk Meet Aiidrew .Tohnson, the war (lovernor. "AOiS THE AMERICAN EPIC. Scene : Columhia, S. C, February SO, 1SG5. Abdiel, Ithuriel, Zephon, Raphael. Abdiel. War fills the earth with most atrocious crimes. The rierhuman dignity. Now Sherman to the troops of Johnston gives The conquered all the rights that conq'rors claim. He uses language such as charmed mankind When Thomas Jefferson still lived and wrote Of civil liberty and equal rights. Sherman, the hero, shows wise statesmanship. With scholarly pei'fection unexcelled. Michael. 'Tis Breckinridge w^hose classic statesmanship Deserves the plaudits you to Sherman pay. The Fed'ral chieftain first denied the right Of a civilian to take any part In the aftairs of military men, But when reminded that his visitor ITad been an active Major-general, And of the War Department had been chief. He kindly condescendiMl to ])ennit The great man to be ju'csent and assist. Then did the might, the majesty of mind Assort its natural su])remacy. As Breckinridge dictated Sherman's tei-ms Li the most polished language of the schools, lentil the hero marchinii' toward the sea. 216 THE AM ERIC AX EPIC. CliarniGd by the blandishments of Breckinridge, Declared that with but one more social drink He had commanded his entire consent To give his conq'ring army to his foe, And yield himself a pris'ner of war. But as it is under the great man's lead The Fed'ral gen'ral plays the dictator To elevate the men that Johnston led; And who shall venture to deny his right. As a supreme commander in the field, To dictate terms to his own prisoners ? Ariel. 'Twas fortunate that Breckinridge was here To be the advocate of worthy men. Satan approaches. Satan. Ha, Michael! I yet rule this lower world; I rule to ruin your most hopeful plans. Michael. But, Satan, in his day of mighty power The President, like Sherman, is most kind, And much disposed to pardon all his foes. Satan. The President ! He has been dead three days, And I control the madness of these times. Fanatic fury drives to bloody deeds, Wreaking its vengeance upon multitudes; It e'en hates Sherman for his last kind act, And soon will wrest all ]>ower fi'om his hands. Lincoln woidd have restrained it; he is gone. It Avould hang Ijcc and Johnston if it could. And millions of the people of the South. This Breckinridge, with all his Avondrous gifts, 'Twill to the ocean drive in a frail skiff. But, Michael, I've no time to Avaste on you: This is my most important harvest time. Michael. Perverted talents, as in Satan seen, Are quite enough to malce archangels weep. Capacities for good, in men unused, All run to waste because of enmity. IIK DISTANCEU ALL lilVALS. 217 A hundred thousand filled not JohuHton's pUico When he no Ioniser was in hiut drive not God out of his universe, The (lod who made it and ])r<)nounced it good. Think of that period in the distant past Wlien only God filled all inuucnsity. 246 THE AMERICAN EPIC. He, the sole Self-existence, the I Am, No atom, force, law, motive, purpose, plan, Nor possibility but in himself. Then of, and by, and for himself alone, Creation's mighty fabric was produced. For of him, to him, through him are all things. He was the All ! He now exists in all. Yet quite distinct from all created things. He still supports and governs what he made. He is the Father. All depend on him. His arms embrace them and his pow'r protects. Pervading space, filling immensity, His awful voice has frequently been heard, His pow'rful presence ev'rywhere is felt. Yet nowhere seen by any eye of man ; For no man hath at any time seen God. No man hath seen him, nor can any man Behold the omnipresence of the Lord. Too broad for human sight, ubiquity Defies all finite pow'r his form to scan. No creature is ubiquitous. Give one The speed of thought and perfect hohness Attracting him to'the Most Holy One; Of omnipresence, what could he perceive? Only so much as might be manifest At one small point in universal space, In one brief moment of fast fleeting time. The infinite beyond remains unseen. A natural impossibility Denies to sight divine ubiquity. Raphael. But have not men seen and conversed with God? Zephon. Yes, God, the Son, hath often talked with men : Adorned their feasts with his loved countenance; Ecvealcd himself to Adam, Abel, Cain, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Job, To Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, And many other saints of ancient times. Yes, his delights were vrilh the suns of men. MANIFESTED DEITY. 247 'Twas he became incarnate, wove the flesh, And shed his blood to save a sinful race. He conquered Satan, death, and left the grave, To reign till ev'ry foe shall be subdued. 'Tis lie in his humanity shall judge The countless millions of angelic hosts, And men in his eternal likeness madj, In glorified humanity enthroned. Shall rule in righteousness the universe, Through all the cycles of eternity. Raphael. And does the Holy Ghost reveal himself To sight as well as to the throbbing heart? ZepJion. The Holy Spirit manifests himself In dove-like hoverings of lambent flame. So he was seen by Moses on the Mount Of Horeb, when the bush burned unconsumed; And upon Sinai, wdien the prophet's fixce Bore off its borrowed brightness to the camp. Isaiah beheld him when the triune God, Throned in the temple, sent him to his work. Wlien at the baptism of tbc Son of God The Holy Ghost descended on his head, 'Twas in a glorious, dove-like form he came. At.Pentecost in cloven tongues of fire, On apostohc heads his brightness shone. Tbus, while ubiquity's too vast for sight, The unembodied Father is not seen. But Deity is manifested by Th' eternal Son and by the Holy Ghost. Doubtless tbe Son in hunnin form tlivine. The Holy Cbost in dazzling glory bright, Did manifest supreme Divinity From the first moment when created light Made motion, form, and color visible. Arid. Are there not some who still deny the Sou The worship due to his most honored name. And say the H<>ly (ihost is not divine, And call triuiiitv irrational? 248 THE AMEBIC AX EPIC. Zephon. There arc, but Christ ckiimcd worship and The adoration of inspired men. [received He's an impostor if He's not divine; Triunity is not irrational; We reason from the known to the unknown, Nature abounds in things that arc triune. In God's own image man was made triune; He craves companionship and pines away If left with none to banish loneliness. Yet Arians leave their unitarian God Through all the cycles of eternity That passed before the universe was made, Self-doomed to solitary loneliness. They make immensity his prison-house, With none to share the horrors of his fate. They own that God is love, but love requires An object, its affection to receive. Love passes over to the object loved. AVhat was there for a unitarian God To lavish love upon before the dawn That ushered in creation's natal day? He of necessity must then have been A God of uncompanioned solitude. In isolated selfishness enthroned. Not so the Christian's God reveals himself! Our God is love. Triunit}' in him Ineffably unites loving and loved In infinitely joyful fellowship. Three real persons most distinctively; Yet in their nature, essence, substance, one. Alike, eternal, good, immutable, Omnipotent, omniscient, holy, just. Their omnipresence through the realms of space Necessitates eternal unity In the divine, the purely spiritual. Our God is love. Compassion for the lost Gave the divine, eternal Son to die, Eedemption to provide for Adam's race. Ho through the ages calls his ransomed home. Man's access to the Father's through the Son I5y the felt power of the Holy Ghost. EVEXTS MUST BE AS FOltE KNOWN. 249 Ariel. Some men assert that from eternity (Jod (lid most freely and unchan<^-cubly Wisely ordain whatever comes to pass; That all events in him originate, All destinies depend on his decrees, Establishetl ere he made the universe; That one cannot bo added to the saved, Nor one diminished from the number lost. They say contingencies, if once allowed, Might overturn his righteous government. Dethrone the Lord, and wreck the universe. Zephon. He has not so revealed himself to us. God does not ordain all that comes to pass. 8in comes to pass v/hich he could not ordain, For he prohibits sin and threatens death To all who violate his righteous law. Ho has no secret will to set aside The teachings of his own inspired word. The sovereignty of Clod is absolute, Ilis universe is under his control, His wisdom and his power are limitless. By his degree angels and men exist. Created free to freely serve then- God. Unfettered, finite freedom's loftiest flight Falls far below th' encircling infinite. Ariel. They say if he does not ordain, he knows And that foreknowledge certainly implies Fore-ordination by the all-wise God. Zephon. Not so. Fore-ordination is the cause Of all that ever has been fore-ordained; Foi'e-ordination causes the thing known. But knowledge causes not. 'Tis what's foreknown Causes the knowledge and must govern it, P)Ut tho' foreknowledge does not cause what's known, The absolute foreknowdedge of events Implies the certaiiit}' of what is known. Because the Lord can never be deceived. Th' event will be as certainly foreknown. All that depends on human Hberty 250 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Can only as continc^cncica be known, Uncertainty of action must forbid All certainty of knowledge of the act. Contingent, as they were, on human wills, There was not any thing to know till man Freely determined what that thing should bo. And the same man might freely change again From evil unto good, or bad to worse. God knows all things precisely as they are; His knowledge is exact and accurate. Some things he knows as fore-ordained by him Before the race of man began to be. Of these his knowledge is most absolute. Such was his purpose to create mankind With freedom to obey or disobey. Such is redemption's glorious mystery. The gen'ral judgment, the triumphal reign Of our great Saviour over all his foes. And the enthronement of his honored saints, With him in glory through eternity. Some great events were fore-ordained and known For years before they actually took place. Such was the deluge. Such was Israel's march From Egy])t to the glorious promised land, And Judah's from the plains of Babylon, When sent by Cyrus, the "Elect of Gfod." But many things were as contingent known, Because dependent on free agency. So " Crod repented that he had made man When man had sinned and grieved him at his hcart.^' To Israel made his " breach of promise known," And let them perish in the wilderness. So disobedient Saul was doomed to death. So David's sin brought punishment and grief: His penitence found mercy with the Lord. So Hezekiah's life was lengthened out. And Nineveh's destruction was postponed. So .Tudas fell from his apostlcship To depths of degi-adation and despair. While humble Peter's penitential tears Obtained forgiveness from his loving Lord. Ol'li ODD IS FliEK. 251 Txaphael. Thus cv'ry sinner who has been forgiv'n Illustrates the i^reat principle involved. God chanajes not. lie ever is the same, Nor does he chani^e his purposes or plans. But when men change, he gladly welcomes them With changed relations toward his government. When men with gracious freedom turn from sin To seek salvation thi-ough the vSaviour's l)lood. Then God beholds his ransomed with delight. Welcomes the prodigal in loving arms, And says the dead's alive, the lost is found. He knew them once as sinners doomed to death; lie knows them now as heirs of endless life. Zephon. God the immutable can never change, But his foreknowledge of contingencies, His knowing all things as they really are, His unrestricted freedom from control Provides for mercy through atoning blood And leaves him free to show that God is love. Love from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Brings to the penitent from Calvary Grace, mercy, peace, and everlasting life, While justice, holiness, and truth approve. Raphael. Our God is free ! Most absolutely free ! No mythologic fate is over him, Nor is he chained to an " Eternal Now" Forbidding action and restraining love; Nor, as a false i)hilosophy asserts, Is a concatenation of events Held in his hand to hcl]) him govern worlds, Jjcst they csca])e beyond his wise control. Nor did he from eternity enact Augustine's and John Calvin's stern decrees, Ordaining whatsoever comes to pass. Forbidding hope to millions ere they lived, And dooming little infants to be damned. Fore-ordination binds not loving hands, Foreknowledge fetters not the Saviour's feet. Omniscience does not drive omnipotence 252 THE AMERICAN EPIC. To the performance of a task prescribed. No bondage to eternal prescience Forbids eternal love to save mankind. No despot attribute's resistless force Withholds from men the saving grace of God. He freely governs those whom he made free. His knowledge of contingencies is such That by his all-wise, comprehensive plan Man's finite freedom through its grand career Is unobstructed by the infinite. The freedom of the infinite provides For all emergencies that can arise From finite freedom's largest libca-ty. Most freely in his own free government Over the fi'ee, in his free likeness made, Divinely free the mighty sovereign rules! BOOK TWELFTH. Scene: Washington, March 4, 1SS5, at the Capitol. Abdiel, Zo- PIIIEL, ISKAFIEL. Abdiel. A nation changes rulers here to-day. The part}' that was dominant goes out, Producing scarce a ripple on the stream Of its unequaled grand prosperity. Zophiel. Great Washington's completed monument Looks down on the new ruler as he takes The solemn oath that binds a President The Constitution and the laws t' obey, Support, enforce, and rightfully maintain. But Washington's example wields a force More potent than laws, oaths, or penalties To lead successors into rightful paths. Israfiel. Short-sighted men imagine that they sec Impending ruin, like an avalanche, Descending and o'erwhelming this fair land, Whenever their own part^^'s overthrown. The party falls, the country flourishes; It thrives and gladdens in the smile of God In spite of all the tricks of selfishness. The gifts of God enrich a prosp'rous land, And make it an example to the world. Thrift, enterprise, invention, science, art Unveil the treasures that have been long hid In air, 1n earth, in waters, and in mines, Until, o'er rivers bridged, through mountains drilled. Trade heaps up treasures brougjit from ev'ry land. And opens avenues from shoi'e to shore Till the Pacific "hears" the Atlantic "roar." (253) (254) yoskmitp: fa 256 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Abdiel. But is there nothing gained by all the strifes Of noisy parties seeking offices? Does all the waste of time, of money, zeal By politicians bring no lasting good? Israfiel. In a free government the watchfulness Of parties over parties serves to check Extravagance and rashness, and detect Dishonesty among the men who rule. The "ins" are tempted to lay hold upon The treasures that are under their control; The " outs," though not more honest, are inclined To publish and expose the plunderers, And hasten to eject from office those Whose hands have robbed the public treasury. This selfish watchfulness results in good. ZopUiel. Between the parties of the present time The tariff has been cause of much dispute, But the protected classes are too strong To loose their hold upon their victims yet. Hundreds of millions of ill-gotten gains Serve well to gain a thousand millions more T' enrich the rich, and make the poor more poor. Abdiel. This new administration promises Eeform in civil service, and much else That tends toward honesty and uprightness. But when did office-seekers prove sincere? The hatreds of the sections Cleveland hates, He will encourage unity and love; Will know no North, nor East, nor West, nor South, But one broad banner waving over all The dwellers in the country that he loves. Zophiel. From statesmen let us turn our thoughts away To those who subjugate to man's control The broad domains of nature's untrod realms. The telephone, by mute electric force. Conveys the human voice hundreds of miles On paths of wire to seek the list'ning ear. FUNFAiAL OF GllAXT. 257 The phonograph catches the life-like tones, Imprisons them so tluit they may be heard In song, or speech, or cheerful dialogue Through daj's, months, years, or centuries to come. Electric lights drive darkness far away From streets, from dwellings, churches, halls or shops, Kindling bright sunshine in the darkest nights. Electric motors easily propel Swift gliding cars, or drive machincr}'. From depths profound come gas to light the towns, 8inelt ores, make glass, cook food, and warm the homes Of millions in the cities of the land. How wonderfully blest of God are those Who claim this country for their dwelling-place! Cleveland and Hendricks, walking, come this way. Scene: Riverside Park, OverlooHng Hudson River and Nnv York Ci(y, August S, 1SS5. Uzziel, Ithuriel, Zadkiel. Uzzlel. "What means that solemn, mournful cavalcade, Inspiring awe along the crowded streets. Awakening grief in millions of sad hearts, And sending sorrow through a weeping world ? Ithuriel. It is the obsequies of General Grant That drape in mourning all the eye can see, Hushing to stillness all irreverent sounds. The soldiers that he led to victory Are moving slowly toward their hero's grave. And the great gen'rals against whom he fought Pay willing honors to their conqueror. They come like true, brave brothers of the brave. To honor and lament their countryman, And pledge themselves to gallantly defend The union of the country that he loved. Henceforth the hatreds of the sections lie Forever l)uried in the grave of Grant. Men of all sections see in his career Inspiring lessons, as they fondly turn To boyhood's ventures, manhood's first success Upon the battle-lields of Mexico; The trials of his life till Donelson 17 258 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. Gave to his name the charm of victory; The rapid strides by which ho rose to pow'r, The honest strugo'les of the President To stem corruption's overwhehning tide, The true Eepublican in foreign courts, The honest victim of a sharper's triclcs, Toiling with faihng strength to pay his debts And make provision for a widow's wants; The long, brave battle with disease and death, The patriot's love for his whole native land. Give Grant the tribute of a nation's tears, A place within all memories and hearts. As his old comrades lay him in the grave. Zadkiel. Behold the peaceful heroes as they come! Hancock superbly leads the solemn pomp, Conducting the great chief to glory's grave, Followed by those who knew and loved him best — Fond, faithful mourners of his household band; 'j'hen as pall-bearers, Sherman, Sheridan, Logan, Jones, Porter, Eowan, Boutwcll, Iloyt, Childs, Drexell, and two mourning gentlemen Who wore the gray when armies bravely fought ; Johnston and Buckner, with sincere respect, Join their old enemies to honor Grant, And mingle tears with Union veterans. Who crowd by thousands round their hero's tomb. Scene: House of Representativrs, Wasldvgion, D. C, G r.M., October 1, 1890. Michael, Gabriel. Michael. Comrade, we've watched the glorious destiny Of this great people more than sixscore years. We've seen weak colonies become great States, With thirty times the number that rose up To Protest against British tyranny. Sixty-three millions under one grand flag Defy the power of a world in arms. We've seen the expansion of their peaceful rule From Mexico's warm Gulf to arctic seas. All climates, soils, mines, waters now combine To pay their tribute to these mighty States. SATAX'S nOASTFCLKESS. 259 What can a nation need that this has not? Peace and jjrosperity with magic ibrco Shall draw the i)eo])le ol'this continent Till in an equal union hound hy love All parts ol'this vast hemisphere unite. Yes, from the northern to the southern polo And from the centers of surrounding seas The stars and stripes of freedom soon shall float. Gabriel. Your vision of the future is sublime. It may be realized in years to come If Satan does not triumph over man. But we have witnessed his malign control Of millions thirsting for each other's blood, Till nothing seems impossible or hard To be accomplished by tliis foe of man. Michael. What are his latest shemes to overturn This blessed home of human happiness? Satan, rushing forward. Satan. Michael, I'm here to answer for myself, And hurl defiance at your heav'nly hosts. I claim this world as mine. Its Prince ! Its God I O'er its proud millions I still reign supreme. What right have you to prowl through my domains. Skulking in these high places where I rule? You ask what are my latest schemes and i)lans? Know then that I veil not my grand designs, But boldly execute my sovereign will Before the faces of my enemies. I have for servants mighty ones of earth. Who stop at nothing when I lead them on, As witness Eeed, McKinley, Lodge, and Quay. With such as those to back me I am bold. Michael. Satan, I've heard before your boastful words And witnessed your malignant practices. You would dethrone th' Almighty if you could, And on the ruins of his universe Erect 'mid dismal horrors your dark throne. But chains of darkness limit your career; 260 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Omnipotence restrains malignity. You have not power to work your wicked will. Forbear, bravado, lest by wrath divine To outer darkness you should be consigned. Satan. Michael, I laugh to scorn your silly threat. Malevolence, forgetful of all dread, Impels me on to triumph over men; And proudl}^, grandl}^ I disdain to fear All possibilities of punishment Or unknown horrors of most dismal fate. Know then that Europ)e's nihilistic bands I'll move by desperate, destructive deeds To overwhelm this land in anarchy. By socialistic communists I'll drive Away life's gentle, Christian courtesies And undermine domestic blessedness; Banish all Sabbath laws and Sabbath rest, And fill the holy day witii revehy. Dragging the toil-worn laborer from his home, Ilis Church, and life's most sacred sanctities. I'll move Rome's zealous priests to strike the schools AVhere patriotic Christian men unite To banish Ligotrj^'s malign control And teach the 3'oung to walk in wisdom's ways. The demagogues of this free land shall move To place the children under the control Of princes of a dethroned despot's court. Yes, your republicans shall bow around The thrones of haughty red clad cardinals And give them money to enthrone again Eomo's cast-otf tyrant on her seven hills. Michael. Satan, the decent people of this land Will hang your anarchists and nihilists. They'll make your communists behave themselves Or limit socialism to prison bounds. The public schools, time-tested and approved Will be sustained in spite of ev'ry foe. Americans may mumble Latin prayers And toady round the slaves of priestly rule, ALCOHOLIC l)in2\'K. , 261 With loss and harm to no one hut themselves. Satan, you are tlie sland'rer of mankind: "Accuser of the bi'ethren" is your name. Why throw suspicion upon Catholics? Carroll, of CarroUton, with patriot zeal. Stood by his country in her hour of need. Taney and Emmett were bold Democrats, Upholding Jetfersonian principles. If you seduce their co-religionists, And show through them your ugly, cloven foot, To trample upon sacred human rights, As you have often done in other lands, Your dupes will hear indignant thunders roll. And feel the flashes of the people's wrath. Satan. Your optimistic views of human life Throw their red rose tints over this fair land. Indulge them while you can. It suits me well To hear of your high hopes. I'll blast them all And rule to ruin your most hopeful pets. Another means of ruining the race la by the t^a-anny of appetite. By votes of silly negroes and the scum Of Europe's pauper hordes and criminals I'll fasten on this country the vile trade In filthy liquors, that sends to the gi-avc Eight hundred thousand victims in ton years; That fills asylums with mad lunatics. Crowds jails and prisons, packs the poor-houses, Sends misery to twelve hundred thousand homes, Hangs ripened fruits of crime on gallows trees. And fills the land with deeds of violence. Nay, more, to prove to you that I still rule, Grave judges, Senators, and Governors Shall be degraded victims of strong drink; Shall drag their lofty honors through the filth Of pot-house politics, to lead the hosts That trample on all law in hot pursuit Of public plunder and illicit gain. Michael. Satan, the happy peoi)le of this land Have grown familiar with your vilUiiuy. 262 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Soon they will bo too wise to vote for such As you would elevate to seats of pow'r. The accursed traffic by which men get drunk Will bo prohibited and have to cease. This old device of yours against mankind Has slain its millions, may slay millions more, But men will not forever be deceived. The trade is doomed; 'twill be prohibited. Go, braggart, seek for plans you have not tried. Satan. Michael, you are the braggart. I prevail In every conflict with the hateful race. In spite of all the teachings of all time And all the heavenly help that they receive The sons of Adam will be drunkards still. Hereditary appetite's too strong for law. Too strong for will, for conscience to control, Will make them slaves to poisonous alcohol. The hatreds of strong parties I've inflamed, Hoping to see a furious civil war, AVith ev'ry voting place a battle-field. The party that made votei's of the slaves Are sadly disappointed when the}^ see Blacks represented by the men they hate. They know that large majorities of whites Vote solidly against them ev'ry time. Their only hope of carrying "close States" Is based upon the solid negro vote. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Theirs only by the grace of colored men. Will soon to them most hopelessly be lost. Hence they are desp'rate to gain Southern States. They'll have them if they have to fight fbr them. Hence an election force l)ill is proposed. A host of saucy, meddling officers Are to attend at ev'ry voting place To keep the meddling party still in pow'r. Tl>c President's appointees are t' appoint These officers to teach men how to vote, And how to skillfully manipulate TIIK HACK (QUESTION SETTLICD. 203 Comiiliant, rascall}' "returning boards." When these my "men of seven ])rineiples," "Five loaves and two small fishes," raise some fights, A new rebellion will be then ])roclainied, And dogs of war let loose against the South. Local self-government is what men want; This they demand all over this fair land, And when the}^ sec these m^-rmidons of pow'r Rudely assailing this most cherished right, 'Twill stir the fires of strife, both North and South And kindle flaming war from sea to sea. Michael, mj^ plans o'erwhelm your fiiculties; Your utter helplessness provokes contempt For you and the poor subjects of j^our care. Beware, beware ! I'll fill this land with blood. Michael. Satan, the people rising in their might Will vanquish your rash meddlers at the polls. An avalanche of votes shall fall on them. And bury them 'neath infamy and scorn. Five Avceks shall see Lodge, Hoar, Ilouk, Chandler, Reed, Rebuked by an indignant, mighty host Of peaceful patriots through the ballot-box, And Lodge's Force bill take its place by right AVith alien and sedition laws of old. A few malignants shall not stir up strife Among the peaceful peojjle of this land — Yorktown, Long Island, Bunker Hill forbid. Men have grown sick of sectional disputes; Kine-tenths of all good citizens rejoice To live in love, and let all hatreds die. Self-interest on the part of Northern men Will settle the race question in the South. Mischievous intermeddlers must retire, Or ruin the investments Northern men Have made by millions in the great Southland. Negroes may legislate in Congress halls To give Republicans majorities, But a black govei-nment on Soulhei-n soil Would sink tlie ca])ital invested there. Besides all this, most noble Northern men 264 THE AMERICAX EPIC. Despise the silly bate of demagogues Between the people of the same grand race. They saw their brothers of the South grow poor Through eighty years of tributary trade, By which the thrifty North was much enriched; They saw the entrance of the iron wedge That severed friendship, broke the bonds of love, And drove those brothers from their Union's home. They saw them strive to separate in peace, Accept stern war, fight bravely for their cause — More bravely than men ever fought before — Pity their pris'ncrs, beg for fair exchange, Which Stanton would not grant on any terms; Beg the rich North to send its surgeons down With medicines for its own suff' ring men, Asking no aid for Southern helplessness. Saw their brave brethren conquered and subdued; The woo that waits the vanquished frowned on them. The South in ruins smiled at poverty. And welcomed toil as its hard heritage; Yet saw its fruits of labor wrenched away By thieving blacks, by alien scoundrels led ; Then, rising in its manly majesty. Cast off barbaric hordes and rascal rule, Obtained from heaven-renewed prosperity, And stands to-day the peerless conqueror Of earth's most dread, malign adversity. Since bled by tariffs, and by ])ensions robbed, Sees the great North grow rich at its expense. Ireland to landlords, Poland to the czar. Nor conquered provinces to ancient E,ome, Never so much of tribute could have paid. And so the wealthy, the triumphant North, Owns Southern railroad.s, mines, and furnaces. Banks, factories, plantations, farms, and stores. With dividends sent duly to the North. The North men own hotels and palaces, All occupied by North men half the year, Then watched by North men till North men return. The South looks on admiringly to see Northern magnificence and wealth displayed, MILLIONS OF ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH. 2G5 And, toiling on, begs most imploringly For more and moro of wealthy Northern men To bring still more of Northern capital; Invites and welcomes Northern working-men To build up homes in its mild Southern clime, Hails them as brethren of one famil3\ The Southron's trust in God, his fortitude While boldly fighting with adversity, His patient industry, his enterprise. His Christ-like, his divine forgetfulness Of dreadful suff 'ring wrongfull}^ endured, His most sincere, undying contidence That Northern men, rebuking tyranny. Will, from high places of authority. Drive out his bitter, unrelenting foes — All, all with most resistless potency Apj)eal to Northern magnanimity For help against fanatic, furious hate. Nor will tlV api^eal be vain. Election day W'^'iil see the millions of the mighty North, With gen'rous sympathy, indignant rush To hurl their ballots against despotism. And free their Southern friends from Reed, from Lodge, McKinley, Ingalls, Cannon, and their dupes. 'Twill shake the tyrants with an earthquake shock, And disappoint your base malignancy. Satan. Gabriel, there's millions of ill-gottcMi wealth At my disposal to secure results. W^o can buy votes enough in the close States To overcome your large majorities. We'll do it, and we'll rule with heavy hand In spite of Northern magnanimity And sympathy for noble Southerners. P>ut even if we lose November's vote Our famous Congress will have three months \A\ In which to drive our hated Force bill through, And any legislation wo may need To keep the country under my control. They'll pass the Force bill, nnd insult tlu- ^'outh. And rob the treasury to ])ay their tools, 266 THE AMEBIC AN EPIC. If the next Congress should b}- two to one Condemn our grand old party's sad misrule. Michael. If they should be so steeped in tyranny As to despise the people's spoken will, It will but seal their evei'lasting doom, And give them to undying infamy. Satan, in spite of your malignity This country still shall flourish, and its sons Shall triumph over you and all your dupes. Satan. But, Michael, here in this hroad capital This very hour my grandest scheme prevails Against all common sense, all scholarship. All science, all economy, and thrift, All friendships of the nations of earth, And the best judgment of earth's shrewdest men. McKinley's Tariff bill is now a law ; In this my friends have pleased me quite too well. So much taxation people will not bear; But the rich manufacturers had paid Into the pai'ty's great corruption fund Such mammoth sums beyond all precedent, We could deny them nothing that they asked. They saw their chance and piled the tariff on Bej'ond all reason, or propriety. In vain we warned them not to kill the goose That laid for them so many golden eggs. They answei'ed that they had a bird in hand Worth more to them than two in nnj bush ; That they were now determined to make hay While summer suns shine on Republicans: And so the monsti'ous bill was hurried through, From which they hope for many, many years Of peaceful plunder to enrich themselves. Sec ! Harrison comes forth, followed by Blaine, By Windom, Tracy, Proctor, Miller, Rusk, Noble and Mason, and McKinley too. Proud author of this famous Tariff act. The President has signed the robber bill. Now wealth shall glut its rav'nous appetite At the expense of jiinching poverty. THE roOlt pool! EL', THE lUCll I! If II mi. 267 Michael. Ho signed the warrant of his party's doalli. McKinlcy is its executioner. Yes, this "the beginning of the end" Of the bad party" called Republican. Satan. Michael, your wish was father to that thought. The party lives to work mj^ sovereign will. 'Twill still live on to give protected wealth A longer lease of pow'r to rob the poor. The e.xcise and the tanff ev'ry day Take a round million for the treasury. To raise that million the taxed people pay Four millions to protected industries. Domestic manufactured merchandise Costs that much more than they would have to pay But for the tariff and the excise laws. Thus do the rich heap up increasing wealth, The poor sink down in deeper poverty. When wealth was well divided in this land, p]ach workman hoped that he would become rich; But now the millionaires, trusts, syndicates Can dictate wages, prices, and rewards, Till a poor man must starve or beg or steal. Or take for wages wealth's most grudging dole For the hard labor of his horny hands. Soon this oppression becomes heaviei'. And hopeless toil sees wondrous stores of wealth Most temptingly appealing to desire, Yet for the hardest and most constant work Can earn no right to share the good he sees Beyond a jtittance to sustain his life. will not strong hands lay hold on luxuries, l)es))ising all the rights of property, Giving to anarchy and lawless rage, The rich inheritance of these great States, And laying all their glory in the dust? Yes, I shall sec destructive forces here Spoiling the gi-andeui- of this wijtilol, Shall revel 'mid the ruins I have wrought. With fiendish exultation 1 shall gloat " Over archangels driven from the earth 268 THE AMERICAN EPIC. And helpless, hoiieloss human suftcrcrs Eniluring unimagincd agonies. Michael, draw off' your legions to the skies. Leave j^our broad l)anners trailing at my I'cet, Go hide within the battlements ofheav'n, Flee mourning over realms that you have lost; Go, leave me in my glory here to reign! Michael. Satan, your silly boasting I despise; No threats of j^ours can daunt whom God protects. Corruption's legions cannot rule this laud By their unprincipled, compliant tools. Sheer selfishness drives them to nominate Men of a nobler class for offices Demanding honor and integrity. How wonderful it was to see pure men Like Cleveland and like Harrison succeed In winning office through conventions swa3'ed By many of the most unprincipled, "Who ever sold themselves for offices, Or bartered honor for advantages. Such honest, upright, honorable men, Selected by the selfish or corrupt, Prove heav'n's own watch-care over this fair land. So down to latest times shall God preserve This noblest of the nations of the earth. Your robber tariff soon will be repealed. The people in their might and majesty Will soon rise up against 3-our tyranny. The senate and the representatives Will pass a tariff law for revenue, Will take the hands of rich monopolists Out of the purses of the laboring ])Oor, Will build up commerce with^ whole round world, And send the white-winged argosies of trade To ev'rj^ port beneath the smiling heav'ns. l^aian. Michael, the hist'ry of the human race Is but the record of my victories. Go seek for Babylon and Nineveh, ONWARD TO DECAY. 269 Tyre, Sidon, Troy, Cnrtliagf, raliiiyru, Thebes, The Greeks, the Iloniaiis, and the Saracens! I i;-ave them to destruction, and they fell. Tliink 3-011 these ])eoi)le but of yesterday Can staiul a_ord, 50, 64. North Carolina, 58, 65. Nullification, 138. Ocean telegraph, 153. O'llara, 87. Ohio, 114. Ordinance of 1787, 156. Otis, 37. ralmorston, 174. Palo Alto, 147. I'aper promises paid in gold 238. Patriot army, 3,000 stronj. 69. Peace Congress, 165. Peaceful statesmen, 1, 15. Peace in 1815, 127. Peace with amnesty, 218. Peace with Independence, 89. Pemberton, 190. Pennsylvania, 71. Perote, 149. Perry, 121, 122. Perrvville, 184. Persia, 23. Petersburg, 203. Philadelphia, 51, 68, 88, 90. Philippi, 171. Phonography, 257. Pickens, 80, 83. Pierce, Frank, 149, 152. Pike, 120. Pinckney, 93, 95, 111. Pittsburg, 232. Plymouth Rock, 13, 14. Polk, Gen., 175, 191. Polk, President, 146, 147, 150. Pope, 183. Port Gibson, 189. Porter, Commodore, 17S. Porter, Fitz John, 180. Portugal, 139. Prescott, 63. President and Little Bolt, 117. Preston, Cai)t., 3(5. Price, 174. Princeton, 71. Proctor, 120. Prussia, 23, 24. Public Schools, 260. Pueblo, 149. Pulaski, 81. Pulpit i)oliticians, 141, 152. Purse and sword, 2(;2. I'utnam, 98. Quantroll, 190. 278 INDEX. Eandolph & Bland sell forty ne- groes, 59. Randolph, Edward, 104. Randolph, John, 140. Rawdon, 83. Raymond, 189. Repnblicanism is revolution or- ganized at work, 1(54. Resaca de la Pal ma, 147. Retribution, 17, 21, 197, 209, 219, 223, 224, 225. Richmond, Ky., 184. Richmond, Va., 21, 44, 5G, 209, 216. Ripley, 122. River Thames, 119, 120, 121. Riverside Park, 257. Roanoke Island, 177. Robbery by law, 147. Rome, 62. Romney, 171. Rosecrans, 184, 191. Rousseau, 24. Rusk, 2(>0. Russia, 23, 115. Salem, 51. Saltillo, 149. San Fiancisco, 150. San Gabriel, 148. San Jacinto, 139. Santa Fe, 148. Saratoga, 73. Satan at Fredericksbnrg, Va., 182, Satan's call to war, 170. Satan's grand plot, 100, 101 , 102, 105,110,123,125,129,130,131, 134, 137, 140, HI, 142, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 167, 169, 170, 201. Satan's great storm at Rich- mond, 98. Savannah, 79, 208. Scott, 122, 149, 175. Secession claimed as a ri^::ht 162. Secession unwise, 158. Sectional hatred, 131. Settlers of States, 14, 15. Seward, 167, 174,227,232. Shelby, Isaac, 121,122. Shenandoah, 178. Sheridan, 201, 204, 212. Sherman, Roger, 92. Sherman, W. T., 176, 191, 199, 200, 202, 203, 208, 215. Shiloh, 176. Sigel, 174, 199. _ Silver demonetized, 538. Simpson, Bishop, 232. Slade, 140. Slave freetl by Mansfield, 50. Slave trade, 19, 50, 59, 68, 92, 95, 186. Slidell, 174. Sloat, 148. Smith, John, 43. Smith, Kirby E., 184. Smith, Samuel, 122. South Carolina, 58, 82. South Carolina Constitution, 95, Spain, 12, 89. Stampt act, 8, 15, 25, 26. Stanton, 183, 227, 232. Stanton and Satan, 228. Stark, 73. Statesmanship of hate, 157, 165, 167. St. Clair, 74, 105. Steel, 190. Stevens, A. 11., 158, 160, 162. Stevens. Thaddens, 228. St. John's Church, Richmond, Va., 56. Stockton, 148. Strawbridge, 42. Stuart, 188. Sullivan, 59, 69, 71. Sumter, Fort, 169. Surrender of R. E. Lee, 212. Swamp angels, 190. Taney, 145, 261. , Tariii; 90, 135, 139, 147, 266. Tarleton, 82, 83. Tax, corporations, syndicates, and trusts, 234, 270. 279 Tavlor, Z., 147, 151. Tivnnisoh, 120, 140. Tivuinseh, Wliite, 145, 202. Telephone, 257. Terry, 200. Texas, 120, 130, 150. Thames, 110. Tliomas, 175, 184, 101, 103, 207, 232. Tippecanoe, 115. Toronto, 120. Townslicnd, 27, 30, 34. Tracy, 26(i. Trade dollars, 23i). Trenton, 71. Trinity Church, 18, 30. Tripofi, 128. Tunis, 128. Twigizs, 140. Tryon, SO. Tyler, 145. Yajrabonds, 235. Valley Forge, 70. Van Btiren, 138. Van Rcnsalear, 145. Vandalism, 317, 318. Vanderbilt, 153. Vermont, 114. Versailles, 184. Vicksburg, 189. Virginia's loenefactions, 100, 1 07, 108; conditions on acceding, 00; wrongs predicted, 44, 08, 100, 102; heroism predicted, 44; efforts to prevent war, 165, 107 ; hcj-oism in war, 1 72, 197, 108; destmction of ene- mies, 181, 190; hospitality, 14, 197. Voltaire, 24. AValkor, R. I., 147. Wallace, Low, 17(5,100. War Christianized, 150. ^Var with loft hand, 122. Warlike (^iristians, 118. Wai'ren, 02, 124. Washington, D. C, 111. Washington, George, 17, 40, 50, 57, 61, 64, 70, 71, 73, 76, 77, 87, 80,103, 104,109, 113. AVashington Moninnent, 255. Washington, William, 83. Wayne, 80, 111. Wealth: all lose by its destruc- tion, 233. Webster, Daniel, 132, 138, 151, 152. Wellington, 122. Welsh, 232 Wesley, Charles, 11, 38. Wesley, John, 11, 64. West, 38. AVestminster Abbey, 5. Whitefield, 40. Whittaker, 43. Whittier, 232. Wilkes, Commodore, 174. Williams, Paulding, Van Wert, 82. Williamsburg, 16. Wilson's Creek, 174. AVinchester, 110. AVinder, 1 20. AVindom, AVilliam, 266. AA'indsor Castle, 27, 48, 40. AVinslow, 205. AA'isconsin, 150. AA'ise, 140, 157. AA^olfe, 43. AA^ool, Gen., 149. AVorth, 140. AA'yoming, 79. AVythe, 17. Yale, 13. Yorktown, 83. Zollikofer, 175. HOME USE CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT MAIN LIBRARY This book is due on tfie last date stamped below. 1-montli loans may be renewed by calling 642-3405. 6-month loans may be recharged by bringing books to Circulation Desk. Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date. ALL BOOKS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL 7 DAYS AFTER DATE CHECKED OUT. MAY 11 1975 5 a M 1 1 g/o -J LD21 — A-40m-5,'74 General Library (R8191L) University of California Berkeley ourn, Drvmmond | W4,3 z' . ae Americ an epic tmi y ,// IV.I2766G'l (3.00 THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA UBRARY m. :■: