LEE
by Will S Hayes
the Louisville Journal (no date)
Found in an old Bible purchased at a yard sale by Curtis C. Wright, a member of the Bedford Rifle
Grays Camp 1475, Bedford, Virginia, this poem, written by Will D Hayes, is a touching and beautiful tribute
paid to the memory of Marse Robert.
The drapery of Heaven hung low
in dark and gloomy shrouds;
The Angels used the weeping stars
in pinning back the clouds.
The shades of gloom and woe prevailed
O'er all the land and sea;
And eyes that were unuse to tears
Now wept for Robert Lee.
A Christian, Soldier, true and brave,
Beloved, near and afar;
He was the first in the time of peace
And the first in the time of War.
Virginia never reared a son
More brave and good than he;
Save one, and that was Washington
Who lived and died like Lee.
The nation wept, when cruel death
Into his mansion stole;
But Angels in the "Better Land"
Received his peaceful soul.
For that belonged to God alone,
He gave it to him free;
And left the South the fame and name
Of ROBERT EDWARD LEE.
His peaceful sword is laid away,
His work on earth is done;
He loved the people in the South,
They idolized their Son.
There's not a woman, man, or child,
I care not where they be;
Throughout the still sweet Sunny South,
But loves the name of LEE.
He had no enemies on earth,
There's not a voice that can
Say aught against the Name of Lee,
The SOLDER OR The Man.
And that would be a proud cold-heart
That e'er would cease to be;
The place where memory wrote the name
Of Robert Edward Lee.
Bow down your heads, ye Southron sons,
A few brief moments spend;
In weeping for the loss of one
Who lived and died YOUR FRIEND.
He loved you as he loved his life,
And when on bended knee;
Look up, and let the angels hear
Your prayer, " GOD BLESS OUR LEE."
