"Order A. P. Hill to prepare for battle." <br /> "Tell Major Hawks to advance the Commissary train." <br /> "Let us cross the river and rest in the shade." <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />The stars of Night contain the glittering Day <br />And rain his glory down with sweeter grace <br />Upon the dark World's grand, enchanted face -- <br /> All loth to turn away. <br /> <br />And so the Day, about to yield his breath, <br />Utters the stars unto the listening Night, <br />To stand for burning fare-thee-wells of light <br /> Said on the verge of death. <br /> <br />O hero-life that lit us like the sun! <br />O hero-words that glittered like the stars <br />And stood and shone above the gloomy wars <br /> When the hero-life was done! <br /> <br />The phantoms of a battle came to dwell <br />I' the fitful vision of his dying eyes -- <br />Yet even in battle-dreams, he sends supplies <br /> To those he loved so well. <br /> <br />His army stands in battle-line arrayed: <br />His couriers fly: all's done: now God decide! <br />-- And not till then saw he the Other Side <br /> Or would accept the shade. <br /> <br />Thou Land whose sun is gone, thy stars remain! <br />Still shine the words that miniature his deeds. <br />O thrice-beloved, where'er thy great heart bleeds, <br /> Solace hast thou for pain!<br /><br />Sidney Lanier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dying-words-of-stonewall-jackson/
