In Doric Hall, Massachussetts State House Dear witnesses, all-luminous, eloquent, Stacked thickly on the tessellated floor! The soldier-blood stirs in me, as of yore In sire and grandsire who to battle went: I seem to know the shaded valley tent, The armed and bearded men, the thrill of war, Horses that prance to hear the cannon roar, Shrill bugle-calls, and camp-fire merriment. And as fair symbols of heroic things, Not void of tears mine eyes must e'en behold These banners lovelier as the deeper marred: A panegyric never writ for kings On every tarnished staff and tattered fold; And by them, tranquil spirits standing guard.