One prayer to Jesus—and the soldier
Glided to that better land.
When the flag went down the river
Man and master both were free,
While the ring-dove's note was mingled
With the rippling Tennessee.
WHISPER SOFTLY, STAINLESS LILIES.
WHISPER softly, stainless Lilies,
As you fold each snowy cup
Over soldiers who are sleeping,
With their war-tents folded up.
Bear to them our loving message,
In thy sweet unwritten speech;
Chime, white bells, above them softly,
Echoes only angels teach.
Tell them, Roses, as you wither,
Tho' their dust shall heed you not;
Still by song and flag and blossom
We would prove them unforgot.
Show them, Pansy's purple shadow,
Through thy heart of golden bloom,
How the light of deeds heroic
Overlies the darkened tomb.
Passion-flow'r with mystic meaning,
Lordly, bannered Fleur-de-Lis,
