| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 102. Elegiac |
| | | By James Gates Percival |
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| O, IT is great for our country to die, where ranks are contending! | |
| Bright is the wreath of our fame; glory awaits us for aye,— | |
| Glory, that never is dim, shining on with light never ending,— | |
| Glory that never shall fade, never, O never, away! | |
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| O, it is sweet for our country to die! How softly reposes | 5 |
| Warrior youth on his bier, wet by the tears of his love, | |
| Wet by a mother’s warm tears. They crown him with garlands of roses, | |
| Weep, and then joyously turn, bright where he triumphs above. | |
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| Not to the shades shall the youth descend, who for country hath perished; | |
| Hebe awaits him in heaven, welcomes him there with her smile; | 10 |
| There, at the banquet divine, the patriot spirit is cherished; | |
| Gods love the young who ascend pure from the funeral pile. | |
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| Not to Elysian fields, by the still, oblivious river; | |
| Not to the isles of the blest, over the blue, rolling sea; | |
| But on Olympian heights shall dwell the devoted forever; | 15 |
| There shall assemble the good, there the wise, valiant, and free. | |
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| O, then, how great for our country to die, in the front rank to perish, | |
| Firm with our breast to the foe, victory’s shout in our ear! | |
| Long they our statues shall crown, in songs our memory cherish; | |
| We shall look forth from our heaven, pleased the sweet music to hear. | 20 |
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