Concord Hymn________ by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Concord Hymn

By the rude bridge that Arched the flood,

   Their flag to aprail's breeze unfurled,

Here once the embattled farmers stood

   And fired the shot heard around the world.

The foe long since in scilence selpt;

   Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;

And Time the ruined bridge has swept

   Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.   

On this green bank, by this soft stream,

   We set to-day a votive stone;

That memory may their deed redeem,

   When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made that heroes dare

   To die, and leave their children free,

Bid time and Nature gently spare

   The shaft we raise to them and thee.

By _____________ Ralph Waldo Emerson