For fast the Vandals gathered, strong In wealth and numbers, all along Our highways pressed a countless throng, To battle at Manassas. With martial pomp and proud array, With burnished arms and banners gay, Panting for the inhuman fray, They rolled upon Manassas. The opening cannons' thunders rent The air, and ere their charge was spent, Muskets and rifles quickly sent Death to us at Manassas. But, like a wall of granite, stood The true, the great, the brave, the good, Who, firmly holding field and wood, Guarded us at Manassas. They promptly answered fire with fire; Danger could not with fear inspire Their hearts, whose courage rose the higher, When death ruled at Manassas. At dawn the murderous work begun; The battle fiercely raged at noon; Evening drew on--'twas not done-- The carnage at Manassas. Oh, trembling Freedom! didst thou stay Throughout that agonizing day, To watch where victory would lay Her laurels at Manassas? Yea! and thy potent trumpet tone Ordered our gallant warriors on, To the bold charge which for thee won The triumph at Manassas. Well might the dastard foemen yield, When Right and Vengeance joined to wield The well-aimed ball and glittering steel, Which hurled them from Manassas. They broke, and fear lent wings to feet Flying before our chargers fleet, Which followed up their wild retreat-- Their mad rout at Manassas. Strike! Southrons, strike! for ne'er a foe So worthy of your every blow Can your good swords and carbines know, As those who sought Manassas. For that our homes are still secure, Our wives and sisters still left pure, Our altars drip not with our gore; Thanks, victors of Manassas! Thy charmed trumpet sound, O Fame! Let music catch the loud refrain, While in a glad, triumphant strain, We celebrate Manassas. And every soldier's breast shall fire With emulation, and desire To equal--fame can point no higher-- The heroes of Manassas. Alas! that many writhe in pain, Whose precious blood was spilt to gain Glory and freedom on thy plain-- Thy bloody plain, Manassas. If sympathy can aught avail, If fervent prayers with Heaven prevail, In your behalf they shall not fail, Poor wounded of Manassas. Alas! that blended with the tone Of triumph, breathes the stifled moan For many brave, whose dear lives won The victory of Manassas. A grateful nation long shall keep Their memory, and flock to weep Above the turf where softly sleep The martyrs of Manassas. HANOVER CO., VA., _July 30_. CHIVALROUS C. S. A. BY "B." AIR--"_Vive la Compagnie!_"