Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/182

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178
CORNER-STONE LAID.

ever be viewed with veneration by those who realize the effect that this rude mound of earth had upon the destinies of their country. A slight column or Tuscan pillar of wood, on a brick pedestal, in memory of General Warren, whose priceless blood was shed at Bunker Hill, was erected on this spot, in 1783, but being much defaced by time, is removed. The inscription was from one of his own eloquent orations.

"None but they who set a just value on the blessings of liberty, are worthy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we bled in vain; if you, our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders."

The corner-stone of the Bunker Hill Monument, was laid on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle that it commemorates, by Gen. La Fayette, the soldier of two hemispheres, the friend of our country in adversity, and her honored guest, when she had won a name and a place among the nations. The presence of some of the survivors of that sanguinary conflict gave a strong interest to the scene. The stirring eloquence of Webster, en wrapt the attention of an immense assembled multitude. But what were their emotions in comparison with those which filled the breasts of the hoary, veteran soldiers!

What imagery flashed before them, as the curtain of half a century drew back! A small band go forth from Cambridge, at nine in a summer's evening, beneath the eye of the solemn, watchful stars. Exulting music