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Southern Historical Society Papers. New Series. Richmond, Va., Sept., 1916. Volume III. THE SOUTH By FATHER RYAN.
Yes, give me the land
Where the ruins are spread,
And the living tread light
On the heart of the dead;
Yes, give me the land
That is blest by the dust,
And bright with the deeds
Of the down trodden just.
Yes, give me the land
Where the battle's red blast
Has flashed on the future
The form of the past;
Yes, give me the land
That has legends and lays
That tell of the memories
Of long-vanished days.
Yes, give me the land
That hath story and song
To tell of the strife
Of the right with the wrong ;
Yes, give me the land
With a grave in each spot
And the names in the graves
That shall not be forgot.
