University of Virginia Library

26  Enough — the Centenarian's story ends;
The two, the past and present, have interchanged;
I myself, as connecter, as chansonnier of a great future,      am now speaking.
27   And is this the ground Washington trod?
And these waters I listlessly daily cross, are these the      waters he cross'd,
As resolute in defeat, as other generals in their proudest      triumphs?
28  It is well — a lesson like that, always comes good;
I must copy the story, and send it eastward and west-     ward;
I must preserve that look, as it beam'd on you, rivers of      Brooklyn.
29  See! as the annual round returns, the phantoms      return;
It is the 27th of August, and the British have landed;
The battle begins, and goes against us — behold! through      the smoke Washington's face;
The brigade of Virginia and Maryland have march'd      forth to intercept the enemy;
They are cut off — murderous artillery from the hills      plays upon them;
Rank after rank falls, while over them silently droops      the flag,
Baptized that day in many a young man's bloody      wounds,
In death, defeat, and sisters', mothers' tears.
30  Ah, hills and slopes of Brooklyn! I perceive you      are more valuable than your owners supposed;
Ah, river! henceforth you will be illumin'd to me at      sunrise with something besides the sun.
31  Encampments new! in the midst of you stands an      encampment very old;
Stands forever the camp of the dead brigade.