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CONCORD HYMN; SUNG AT COMPLETION OF CONCORD MONUMENT, 1836 by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: BY THE RUDE BRIDGE THAT ARCHED THE FLOOD
Last Line: THE SHAFT WE RAISE TO THEM AND THEE.
Subject(s): AMERICAN REVOLUTION; AMERICANS; CONCORD, MASSACHUSETTS; FOURTH OF JULY; FREEDOM; MASSACHUSETTS; MONUMENTS; MOURNING; NAPOLEON I (1769-1821); PATRIOTISM; SOLDIERS; UNITED STATES; WAR; INDEPENDENCE DAY; LIBERTY; BEREAVEMENT; AMERICA;

BY the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.



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