Southern History Series: The Virginians of the Valley

H/T John Bonaccorsi

Francis Orrery Ticknor, The Virginians of the Valley

The knightliest knights of the knightly race 
Who, since the days of old, 
Have kept the lamp of chivalry 
Alight in hearts of gold: 
The kindliest of the kindly band 
Who, rarely hating ease, 
Yet rode with Spottswood round the land, 
And Raleigh round the seas; 

Who climbed the blue Virginia hills 
Against embattled foes, 
And planted there, in valleys fair, 
The lily and the rose; 
Whose fragrance lives in many lands, 
Whose beauty stars the earth, 
And lights the hearths of happy homes 
With loveliness and worth. 

We thought they slept! the sons who kept 
The names of noble sires, 
And slumbered while the darkness crept 
Around their vigil-fires; 
But aye the "Golden Horseshoe" Knights 
Their old Dominion keep, 
Whose foes have found enchanted ground, 
But not a knight asleep!

Franics Orray Ticknor is buried in Columbus, GA