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Original Document
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Hymn of the Moravian Nuns of Bethlehem at the Consecration of Pulaski's Banner," 1840

When the dying flame of day
Through the chancel shot its ray,
Far the glimmering tapers shed
Faint light on the cowled head;
And the censer burning swung,
Where ne're before the altar, hung
The crimson banner, that with prayer
Had been consecrated there.
And the nun's sweet hymn was heard while,
Sung low, in the dim, mysterious aisle.

"Take thy banner, May it wave
Proudly o'er the good and brave;
Wnen the battle's distant wail
Breaks the Sabbath of our vale,
When the clarion's music thrills
To the hearts of these lone hills,
When the spear in conflict shakes,
And the strong lance, shivering, breaks."

"Take thy banner! and, beneath
The battle-cloud's encircling wreath,
Guard it, till our homes are free!
Guard it! God will prosper thee!
In the dark and trying hour,
In the breaking forth of power,
In the rush of steeds and men,
His right hand will shield thee then."

"Take thy banner! But when night
Closes round the ghastly flight,
If the vanquished warrior bow,
Spare him! as thou wouldst be spared!
By our prayers and many tears,
By the mercy that endears,
Spare him! he our love hath shared!
Spare him! as thou wouldst be spared."

"Take thy banner! and if e'er
Thou shouldst press the soldier's bier,
And the muffled drum should beat
To the tread of mournful feet,
Then this crimson flag shall be
Martial cloak and shroud for thee."

The warrior took that banner proud,
And it was his martial cloak and shroud!

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow



Credit: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Poems (Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1853), 42-44.
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