Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1908 — THE OLD VIRGINTA REEL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE OLD VIRGINTA REEL

A CHRISTMAS REVERIE IN VERSE

BY ROBERTUS LOVE

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..Mm ■ -» t ■* /i r IN old Virginia, on the James, Beside Potomac’s placid flow. Where limpid Shenandoah shames The rival welkin with its glow Or Rappahannock runs, you know (ICre war had flashed its fiery steel), Some half a hundred years ago They danced the old Virginia reel. Where now are they, the stately dames The dimpled maidens all a-row. Who played with hearts the deadliest games While lightly treading to and fro"' Where now is all the dainty show Of silken fabric, glance of heel And gleam of satin slippered toe That danced the old Virginia reel? Where now the cavaliers? The names Of some have fed the bugle blow Of glory—seared in battle flames. They sleep Virginia’s sod below— And some have quaffed the common woe Of nameless death their dooms tar seal And yet, good fellows all, heigHo! They danced the old Virginia reel. ENVOY. * Gallants and girls, I see ye grow From out the gloom—your ghosts appeal. Touch hands anew—the music—so! We'll dance the old Virginia reel.