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THE END OF THE WHOLE MATTER.
A tall brave man of gray three score, The sable columns rode before, The knightliest of the knightly throng, The bravest of the brave and strong Who on the field of Nashville stood Against the hosts of gallant Hood; When noble Thomas, mild and brave, Against the armed master, threw the former slave.
Rodney had left his home in foreign lands, And laid his life into our country's hands, His struggling kindred's conquests proud to share, For he beheld acknowledged manhood there. And this the grandest day that ever rose Upon his life, at its eventful close Was bringing with it recollections sweet, That made his old heroic heart with youth's emotions beat
His country's banner, soiled and battle-torn, In sable hands before the columns borne, Streamed in the setting sun's deep golden light, And rivaled Heaven in her blazon bright. The drums of victory clamored on his ear; The bugle's wail of rest was ringing clear, Thunder of wheels was in the distance roaring,