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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SUMTER by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL

First Line: SO THEY WILL HAVE IT!
Last Line: ON WITH THE CANNON!
Subject(s): AMERICAN CIVIL WAR; FORT SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA; PATRIOTISM; UNITED STATES - HISTORY;

SO, they will have it!
The Black Witch (curse on her)
Always had won her
Greediest demand -- for we gave it --
All but our honor!

Thirty hours thundered
Siege-guns and mortars --
(Flames in the quarters!)
One to a hundred
Stood our brave Forters!

No more of parties! --
Let them all moulder --
Here's work that's bolder!
Forward, my hearties!
Shoulder to shoulder.

Sight o'er the trunnion --
Send home the rammer --
Linstock and hammer!
Speak for the Union!
Tones that won't stammer!

Men of Columbia,
Leal hearts from Annan,
Brave lads of Shannon!
We are all one to-day --
On with the cannon!



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