Concord Hymn
For the Completion of the Battle Monument on July 4, 1837
American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote Concord Hymn which was performed on July 4, 1837 at the dedication of the "Battle Monument" near the Old North Bridge at Concord, Massachusetts. This poem which commemorated the Battle of Concord fought on April 19, 1775, includes the now-famous phrase "the shot heard 'round the world."
Concord Hymn
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.
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.
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
We set today 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.
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Source:
"Concord Hymn" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Poetry Foundation.
