Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BATTLE OF BENNINGTON, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT


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BATTLE OF BENNINGTON, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: On this fair valley's grassy breast
Subject(s): U.s. - History


(On the occasion of the centennial of the battle of Bennington.)


On this fair valley's grassy breast
The calm, sweet rays of summer rest,
And dove-like peace benignly broods
On its smooth lawns and solemn woods.


A century since, in flame and smoke,
The storm of battle o'er it broke,
And ere the invader turned and fled,
These pleasant fields were strewn with dead.


Stark, quick to act and bold to dare,
And Warner's mountain band were there;
And Allen, who had flung the pen
Aside to lead the Berkshire men.


With fiery onset-blow on blow
They rushed upon the embattled foe.
And swept his squadrons from the vale.
Like leaves before the autumn gale.


Oh, never may the purple stain
Of combat blot these fields again,
Nor this fair valley ever cease
To wear the placid smile of peace!


Yet here, beside that battle-field.
We plight the vow that, ere we yield
The rights for which our fathers bled,
Our blood shall steep the ground we tread.


And men will hold the memory dear
Of those who fought for freedom here,
And grand the heritage they won
While their green hill-sides feel the sun.








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