My Country

Bow down unto the dust your lofty head:
     Strip you of all your rich and proud attire;
In sackcloth and in ashes humbly tread:
With shame and sorrow let your prayers be said,
     In this the hour of grief, and peril dire.

Foul was the heart that prompted such a deed:
     Great was the man who in death’s silence lies—
Was it the lust of wealth, or love of greed
Had aught to do with making of the breed
     That called our honored Chief to sacrifice?

Be still! God reigns! His purpose will unfold
     The lesson of this saddened, chastened hour.
Unfurl the banner as in days of old;
Write on the Stars and Stripes in letters bold,
     Thine is the Kingdom, Glory, and the Power.

  New York City.