358 Southern Historical Society Papers.
XVII.
Time shall not dim their memory. The web
The spider weaves may hang across the mouth Of the dismantled cannon, and the ebb
And flow of erstwhile battle in the South Be but the shadowy gleam Of a long-vanished dream; But ever over all this shaft shall loom supreme,
XVIII.
Silently telling in majestic beauty
Through all the years the story of their faith, Their love of Truth, of Freedom, and of Duty Transcendant Love, triumphant over Death ! Harm now can reach them never: Their fame is sure forever While stands the sacred Hill, or flows the shining River.
THE ORATOR INTRODUCED.
Mr. Gordon had to suspend several times on account of the hearty applause showered upon him, and when he concluded the demon- stration was most gratifying. As soon as quiet was restored Mr. Richardson introduced the orator Rev. R. C. Cave in these words:
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have assembled on this occasion, more than twenty-nine years after the last reverberation of the thunders of battle have died away, on this beautiful spot in our historic city, with the arch of God's mercy bending above us, surrounded by scenes of natural loveliness and in a time of peace, to do some measure of justice to the heroic men who suffered and gave their lives for the land they loved by unveiling this monument, which has been erected to commemorate through coming years the patriotism, the fortitude and bravery of the private soldier and sailor of the Confederacy.
Veterans of the Confederacy, all hail and welcome ! We have met here to-day with emnity towards none, but with no pardon to sue for and no apologies to make for our action in the glorious past, but we come with pride and pleasure to do this honor to the brave men who took up arms in defence of principles dearer to them than life, who defended those principles with such courage as to challenge the admiration of the world, and who, yielding only to " overwhelm- ing numbers and resources," laid down their arms without the stain of dishonor.
