Classic Poem

TO MAJOR-GENERAL W — — .

There's a glorious group in Parian stone,
Which made the sculptor a deathless name;
War stands with his strong arm gently thrown
Round beauty, that lives in immortal fame,
By the gods conceded the brightest and best;
Her light hand lies on his manly breast,
To find, as it were, how his great heart stirs.
His noble eyes look down on hers —
That look which only love confers —
While hers beam tenderly up to him
In the depth of their love-light, dewy dim;
And over both, with hymeneal flame,
Brave Cupid proclaims his triumphant endeavor —
Then Beauty and War, in the world of fame,
Stand wedded in spotless marble forever.
And thus, our Union Mars to-day,
A warrior as noble, as brave, as tall,
Stands with his bride, and over all
Love hovers, and whispers his sweet commands,
Blessing the union of hearts and hands;
And, joining with him in his dear endeavor,
Let us bless the Union for ever and ever.