THE SOUTHERN CROSS ST. GEORGE TUCKER Oh, say, can you see through the gloom and the storm, More bright for the darkness, that pure constellation? Like the symbol of love and redemption its form, As it points to the haven of hope for the nation. How radiant each star, as the beacon afar, Giving promise of peace or assurance of war! 'Tis the Cross of the South, which shall ever remain, To light us to freedom and glory again! How peaceful and blest was America's soil Till betrayed by the guile of the Puritan demon, 10 Which lurks under virtue and springs from its coil To fasten its fangs in the life blood of freemen. Then boldly appeal to each heart that can feel, And crush the foul viper 'neath Liberty's heel! And the Cross of the South shall in triumph remain To light us to freedom and glory again! And the reason is easily noted; And medals and swords, 20 It never for Winfield had voted. of Commanders Had sworn quite as hard as the Army in Flanders, With his finest of armies and proudest of navies, To wreak his old grudge against Jefferson Davis. 30 Then, "Forward the column," he said to And the Zouaves with a shout, "To Richmond or h-11!" (I omit here the vowel), |