Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SAM DAVIS, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SAM DAVIS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tell me his name and you are free
Last Line: Who dies to save an enemy!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Davis, Samuel (1842-1863); Heroism; Loyalty; Soldiers; U.s. - History; Heroes; Heroines


"Tell me his name and you are free,"
The General said, while from the tree
The grim rope dangled threat'ningly.

The birds ceased singing—happy birds,
That sang of home and mother-words.
The sunshine kissed his cheek—dear sun;
It loves a life that's just begun!
The very breezes held their breath
To watch the fight 'twixt life and death.
And O, how calm and sweet and free
Smiled back the hills of Tennessee!
Smiled back the hills, as if to say,
"O, save your life for us to-day!"

"Tell me his name and you are free,"
The General said, "and I shall see
You safe within the rebel line—
I'd love to save such life as thine."

A tear gleamed down the ranks of blue—
(The bayonets were tipped with dew)
Across the rugged cheek of war
God's angels rolled a teary star.
The boy looked up—'twas this they heard:
"And would you have me break my word?"

A tear stood in the General's eye:
"My boy, I hate to see thee die—
Give me the traitor's name and fly!"

Young Davis smiled, as calm and free
As he who walked on Galilee:
"Had I a thousand lives to live,
Had I a thousand lives to give,
I'd lose them—nay, I'd gladly die
Before I'd live one life a lie!"
He turned—for not a soldier stirred—
"Your duty, men—I gave my word."

The hills smiled back a farewell smile,
The breeze sobbed o'er his hair awhile,
The birds broke out in glad refrain,

The sunbeams kissed his cheek again—
Then, gathering up their blazing bars,
They shook his name among the stars.

O, stars, that now his brothers are,
O, sun, his sire in truth and light,
Go, tell the list'ning worlds afar
Of him who died for truth and right!
For martyr of all martyrs he
Who dies to save an enemy!





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