By the rude bridge that arched the =
flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze =
unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers =
stood,
And fired the shot heard round the =
world.
The foe long since in silence =
slept;
Alike the conqueror silent =
sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has =
swept
Down the dark stream which seaward =
creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft =
stream,
We set to-day a votive =
stone;
That memory may their deed =
redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are =
gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes =
dare
To die, and leave their children =
free,
Bid Time and Nature gently =
spare
The shaft we raise to them and =
thee.
~HW Longfellow, 1835 dedication of Concord =
Memorial
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net =
"Jesus Knows Me, This I =
Love!"