Classic Poem

Three States with slaves stood poised o'er Civil War,
Two governors had but to loose the prop—
Cannon and Hicks—and conflagration far
Would roll, none knowing where the flame would stop.
Then these two Men, with Law, shone a twin star,
Or harvest moon, on the tare-tangled crop
Of grain or fruit all ripe to burn or drop,
And people praying for restraining sense
To save their land, aside, Peninsular;
“Look up!” these said, “the flag, our long defence,
Streams Godward! Union is peace and right!
The longest glory is Obedience!
Our non-offence shall be our shield and might.”
No scars of war here do their fames despite!