War Songs of the South

by “Bohemian”, 1862

The Martyr of Alexandria.

By James Wright Simmons, of Texas.

      I. Revealed, as in a lightning flash, A hero stood! The invading foe, the trumpet's crash, Set up his blood.       II. High o'er the sacred pile that bends Those forms above, Thy star, O Freedom! brightly blends Its rays with love.       III. The banner of a mighty race, Serenely there, Unfurls the genius of the place, In haunted air.       IV. A vow is registered in Heaven! Patriot! 'tis thine! To guard those matchless colors, given By hands divine.       V. Jackson! thy spirit may not hear Our wail ascend; A nation gathers round thy bier, And mourns its friend.       VI. The example is thy monument, And organ tones Thy name resound, with glory blent, Prouder than thrones!       VII. And they whose loss hath been our gain, A people's cares Shall win their wounded hearts from pain, And wipe their tears.       VIII. When time shall set the captives free, Now scathed by wrath, Heirs of his immortality, Bright be their path.

The Martyr of Alexandria, by James Wright Simmons, of Texas, in War Songs of the South by “Bohemian” correspondent Richmond Dispatch (William G. Shepperson), 1862, Pages 100-102, “from the N. O. Crescent”. (PDF)

The Martyr of Alexandria, by James Wright Simmons, in War Poetry of the South by William Gilmore Simms, 1867, pages 52-53.