32
THE BATTALION.
and greed upon which the vessel went to pieces. Earthly
creations endure not forever, created beings and their depen
dences seek the dust from which they sprung, and this grand
republic fashioned by created man must follow in the train of
the great minds that conceived it. The signs of the times
point to its final dissolution, the herald of events has already
cast his shadow before. In ihe near future I think you look
in vain toward the starry heavens for a glimpse of the bird
of freedom. With pinioned wings and in bondage you’ll behold
him chanting a requiem over the remnants of departed liberty
and the tattered folds of the emblem of a nations greatness
you’ll behold, o’er hanging as a pall over the grave, wherein
the shattered Goddess reposes, until the day break unto and
the shadows flee.
GrOV. Iw. S. KTOSS.