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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AT TENNENT CHURCH by CLINTON SCOLLARD

First Line: AS ON THE SUMMER SABBATH THAT SAW THE ROLL
Last Line: THIS SPOT IS HALLOWED GROUND.
Subject(s): CHURCHES; MONMOUTH, BATTLE OF (1778); CATHEDRALS;

As on the summer Sabbath that saw the roll
O'er Monmouth's fields the sulphurous battle murk,
Down from its grassy, grave-engirdled knoll
Looks Tennent's ancient kirk.

They smote and open flung yon very door
To bear the wounded from the sanguine flood;
Still show -- ah, glorious baptism -- on the floor
Grim stains of patriot blood!

Along that undulant highway Washington
Rode up, the panic and defeat to quell;
Beyond that slope-crest where the cattle run
Is brave Moll Pitcher's well!

Again we see it all as here we stand,
The bitter travail and the strife profound;
To us whose birthright is this noble land
This spot is hallowed ground.



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