By the rude bridge that arched the flood, <br />Their flag to April's breeze unfurled, <br />Here once the embattled farmers stood <br />And fired the shot heard round the world. <br /> <br />The foe long since in silence slept; <br />Alike the conqueror silent sleeps; <br />And Time the ruined bridge has swept <br />Down the dark stream which seaward creeps. <br /> <br />On this green bank, by this soft stream, <br />We set today a votive stone; <br />That memory may their deed redeem, <br />When, like our sires, our sons are gone. <br /> <br />Spirit, that made those heroes dare <br />To die, and leave their children free, <br />Bid Time and Nature gently spare <br />The shaft we raise to them and thee.<br /><br />Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/concord-hymn/
