Uncle Ned’s Tale.Well, lads, it was in summer time, and just at morning’s lightWe heard the “Boot and Saddle” sound: the foe was then in sight,Just winding round a distant hill[476]and opening on the plain.Each trooper looked with careful eye to girth and curb and rein.We snatched a hasty breakfast—we were old campaigners then:That morn, of all our splendid corps, we’d scarce one hundred men;But they were soldiers, tried and true, who’d rather die[477]than yield;The rest were scattered far and wide[478]o’er many a hard-fought field.Our trumpet now rang sharply out, and at a swinging-paceWe left the bivouac behind;[479]and soon the eye could trace[480]The columns moving o’er the plain. Oh! ’twas a stirring sightTo see two mighty armies there preparing for the fight:To watch the heavy masses, as, with practised, steady wheel,They opened out in slender lines of brightly flashing steel.Our place was on the farther flank,[481]behind some rising ground,That hid the stirring scene from view; but soon a booming soundProclaimed the opening of the fight. Then war’s loud thunder rolled,And hurtling shells and whistling balls their deadly message told.We hoped to have a gallant day; our hearts were all aglow;We longed for one wild, sweeping charge,[482]to chase the flying foeOur troopers marked the hours glide by, but still no orders came:They clutched their swords[483]and muttered words ’twere better not to name.For hours the loud artillery roared—the sun was at its height—Still there we lay behind the hill,[484]shut out from all the fight!We heard the maddened charging yells, the ringing British cheers,And all the din of glorious war kept sounding in our ears.Our hearts with fierce impatience throbbed, we cursed the very hillThat hid the sight: the evening fell, and we were idle still.The horses, too, were almost wild, and told with angry snortAnd blazing eye their fierce desire to join the savage sport.When lower still the sun had sunk, and with it all our hope,A horseman, soiled with smoke and sweat, came dashing down the slope.[485]He bore the wished-for orders. “At last!” our Colonel cried:And as he read the brief dispatch, his glance was filled with pride.Then he who bore the orders, in a low, emphatic tone,The stern, expressive sentence spake “Hesaid it must be done!”“Itshallbe done!” our Colonel cried. “Men, look to strap and girth,We’ve work to do this day, will prove what every man is worth;Ay, work, my lads, will make amends for all our long delay—The General says on us depends the fortune of the day!”No order needed we to mount—each man was in his place,And stern and dangerous was the look on every veteran face.We trotted sharply up the hill,[486]and halted on the brow,And then that glorious field appeared.[487]Oh! lad, I see it now!But little time had we to spare for idle gazing then:Beneath us in the valley,[488]stood a dark-clad mass of men:It cut the British line in two. Our Colonel shouted, “There![489]Behold your work! Our orders areto charge and break that square!”Each trooper drew a heavy breath, then gathered up his reins,And pressed the helmet o’er his brow, the horses tossed their manesIn protest fierce against the curb, and spurned[490]the springy heath,Impatient for the trumpet’s sound to bid them rush to death.Well, boy, that moment seemed an hour: at last we heard the words—“Dragoons! I know you’ll follow me. Ride steady, men! Draw swords!”The trumpet sounded: off[491]we dashed, at first with steady pace,But growing swifter as we went. Oh, ’twas a gallant race!Three-fourths the ground was left behind: the loud and thrilling “Charge!”Rang out; but fairly frantic now, we needed not to urgeWith voice or rein our gallant steeds, or touch their foaming flanks,They seemed to fly. Now straight in front[492]appeared the kneeling ranks.Above them waved[493]a standard broad: we saw their rifles raised—A moment more, with awful crash, the deadly volley blazed.The bullets whistled through our ranks, and many a trooper fell;But we were left. What cared we then? but onward rushing still!Again the crash roared fiercely out; but on![494]still madly on!We heard the shrieks of dying men, but recked not who was gone.We gored the horses’ foaming flanks, and on through smoke and glare.We wildly dashed, with clenched teeth. We had no thought, no care!Then came a sudden, sweeping rush. Again with savage heelI struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o’er[495]their steel!Well, friend, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made,But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped[496]a reeking blade.I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seemed filled with blood:I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,And falling back he crushed[498]their ranks and broke their guarded square!My comrades[499]saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engagedIn such a wild and savage fight as now around me raged.The foe had ceased their firing, and now plied the deadly steel:Though all our men were wounded then, no pain they seemed to feel.No groans escaped from those who fell, but horrid oaths instead,And scowling looks of hate were on the features of the dead.The fight was round the standard: though outnumbered ten to one,We held our ground,—ay, more than that,—we still kept pushing on.[500]Our men now made a desperate rush to take the flag by storm.I seized the pole,[501]a blow came down and crushed my outstretched arm.I felt a sudden thrill of pain, but that soon passed away;And with a devilish thirst for blood, again I joined the fray.At last we rallied all our strength, and charged o’er heaps of slain:Some fought to death; some wavered—then fled[502]across the plain.Well, boy, the rest is all confused: there was a fearful rout;I saw our troopers chase the foe, and heard their maddened shout.Then came a blank: my senses reeled, I know not how I fell;I seemed to grapple with a foe, but that I cannot tell.My mind was gone: when it came back I saw the moon[503]on high,Around me all was still[504]as death. I gazed[505]up at the sky,And watched the glimmering stars above,—so quiet did they seem,—And all that dreadful field appeared like some wild, fearful[506]dream.But memory soon came back again, and cleared my wandering brain,And then from every joint and limb shot fiery darts of pain.My throat was parched, the burning thirst increased with every breath;I made no effort to arise, but wished and prayed for death.My bridle arm was broken, and lay throbbing on the sward,But something still my right hand grasped: I thought it was my sword.I raised[507]my hand to cast it off,—no reeking blade was there;Then life and strength returned,—I beheld the Standard of the Square!With bounding heart I gained my feet. Oh! then I wished to live,’Twas strange the strength and love of life that standard seemed to give!I gazed around: far down the vale I saw a camp-fire’s glow.[508]With wandering step I ran that way,—I recked not friend or foe.Though stumbling now o’er heaps of dead, now o’er a stiffened horse,I heeded not, but watched the light, and held my onward course.But soon that flash of strength had failed, and checked my feverish speed;Again my throat was all ablaze, my wounds began to bleed.I knew that if I fell again my chance of life was gone.So, leaning on the standard pole, I still kept struggling on.At length I neared the camp-fire: there were scarlet jackets round,And swords and brazen helmets lay strewn upon the ground.Some distance off, in order ranged, stood men,[509]—about a score:O God! ’twas all that now remained of my old gallant corps!The muster-roll was being called: to every well-known nameI heard the solemn answer—“Dead!” At length my own turn came.I paused to hear,—a comrade answered, “Dead! I saw him fall!”I could not move another step, I tried in vain to call.My life was flowing fast, and all around was gathering haze,And o’er the heather tops I watched my comrades’ cheerful blaze.I thought such anguish as I felt was more than man could bear,O God! it was an awful thing to die with help so near!And death was stealing o’er me: with the strength of wild despair.I raised the standard o’er my head, and waved it through the air.Then all grew dim: the fire, the men, all vanished from my sight,My senses reeled: I know no more of that eventful night.’Twas weeks before my mind came back: I knew not where I lay,But kindly hands were round me, and old comrades came each day.They told me how the waving flag that night had caught their eye,And how they found me bleeding there, and thought that I must die;No wonder ’twas with all their care, I soon began to mend.The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hearHow England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.I parted from my brave old corps: ’twere matter, friends, for tears,To leave the kind old comrades I had ridden with for years.I was no longer fit for war, my wanderings had to cease.There, boys, I’ve told you all my tale, now let me smoke in peace.—James Boyle O’Reilly.Published by special permission.Gestures.[476]H. F.[477]D. F.[478]B. H. O.[479]H. B.[480]H. Sw.[481]H. L.[482]B. H. F.[483]Sp.[484]H. L.[485]Left H. O.[486]A. F.[487]B. D. O.[488]D. F.[489]Ind. D. F.[490]V. D. L.[491]H. F.[492]H. F.[493]Sp.[494]B. H. F.[495]Sp.[496]Raised Fists.[497]Sp.[498]P. D. B.[499]D. B.[500]H. F.[501]Grasp.[502]Left H. L.[503]A. O.[504]B. P. H. O.[505]Look up.[506]V. H. O.[507]Raise hand.[508]D. F.[509]H. F.
Uncle Ned’s Tale.Well, lads, it was in summer time, and just at morning’s lightWe heard the “Boot and Saddle” sound: the foe was then in sight,Just winding round a distant hill[476]and opening on the plain.Each trooper looked with careful eye to girth and curb and rein.We snatched a hasty breakfast—we were old campaigners then:That morn, of all our splendid corps, we’d scarce one hundred men;But they were soldiers, tried and true, who’d rather die[477]than yield;The rest were scattered far and wide[478]o’er many a hard-fought field.Our trumpet now rang sharply out, and at a swinging-paceWe left the bivouac behind;[479]and soon the eye could trace[480]The columns moving o’er the plain. Oh! ’twas a stirring sightTo see two mighty armies there preparing for the fight:To watch the heavy masses, as, with practised, steady wheel,They opened out in slender lines of brightly flashing steel.Our place was on the farther flank,[481]behind some rising ground,That hid the stirring scene from view; but soon a booming soundProclaimed the opening of the fight. Then war’s loud thunder rolled,And hurtling shells and whistling balls their deadly message told.We hoped to have a gallant day; our hearts were all aglow;We longed for one wild, sweeping charge,[482]to chase the flying foeOur troopers marked the hours glide by, but still no orders came:They clutched their swords[483]and muttered words ’twere better not to name.For hours the loud artillery roared—the sun was at its height—Still there we lay behind the hill,[484]shut out from all the fight!We heard the maddened charging yells, the ringing British cheers,And all the din of glorious war kept sounding in our ears.Our hearts with fierce impatience throbbed, we cursed the very hillThat hid the sight: the evening fell, and we were idle still.The horses, too, were almost wild, and told with angry snortAnd blazing eye their fierce desire to join the savage sport.When lower still the sun had sunk, and with it all our hope,A horseman, soiled with smoke and sweat, came dashing down the slope.[485]He bore the wished-for orders. “At last!” our Colonel cried:And as he read the brief dispatch, his glance was filled with pride.Then he who bore the orders, in a low, emphatic tone,The stern, expressive sentence spake “Hesaid it must be done!”“Itshallbe done!” our Colonel cried. “Men, look to strap and girth,We’ve work to do this day, will prove what every man is worth;Ay, work, my lads, will make amends for all our long delay—The General says on us depends the fortune of the day!”No order needed we to mount—each man was in his place,And stern and dangerous was the look on every veteran face.We trotted sharply up the hill,[486]and halted on the brow,And then that glorious field appeared.[487]Oh! lad, I see it now!But little time had we to spare for idle gazing then:Beneath us in the valley,[488]stood a dark-clad mass of men:It cut the British line in two. Our Colonel shouted, “There![489]Behold your work! Our orders areto charge and break that square!”Each trooper drew a heavy breath, then gathered up his reins,And pressed the helmet o’er his brow, the horses tossed their manesIn protest fierce against the curb, and spurned[490]the springy heath,Impatient for the trumpet’s sound to bid them rush to death.Well, boy, that moment seemed an hour: at last we heard the words—“Dragoons! I know you’ll follow me. Ride steady, men! Draw swords!”The trumpet sounded: off[491]we dashed, at first with steady pace,But growing swifter as we went. Oh, ’twas a gallant race!Three-fourths the ground was left behind: the loud and thrilling “Charge!”Rang out; but fairly frantic now, we needed not to urgeWith voice or rein our gallant steeds, or touch their foaming flanks,They seemed to fly. Now straight in front[492]appeared the kneeling ranks.Above them waved[493]a standard broad: we saw their rifles raised—A moment more, with awful crash, the deadly volley blazed.The bullets whistled through our ranks, and many a trooper fell;But we were left. What cared we then? but onward rushing still!Again the crash roared fiercely out; but on![494]still madly on!We heard the shrieks of dying men, but recked not who was gone.We gored the horses’ foaming flanks, and on through smoke and glare.We wildly dashed, with clenched teeth. We had no thought, no care!Then came a sudden, sweeping rush. Again with savage heelI struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o’er[495]their steel!Well, friend, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made,But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped[496]a reeking blade.I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seemed filled with blood:I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,And falling back he crushed[498]their ranks and broke their guarded square!My comrades[499]saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engagedIn such a wild and savage fight as now around me raged.The foe had ceased their firing, and now plied the deadly steel:Though all our men were wounded then, no pain they seemed to feel.No groans escaped from those who fell, but horrid oaths instead,And scowling looks of hate were on the features of the dead.The fight was round the standard: though outnumbered ten to one,We held our ground,—ay, more than that,—we still kept pushing on.[500]Our men now made a desperate rush to take the flag by storm.I seized the pole,[501]a blow came down and crushed my outstretched arm.I felt a sudden thrill of pain, but that soon passed away;And with a devilish thirst for blood, again I joined the fray.At last we rallied all our strength, and charged o’er heaps of slain:Some fought to death; some wavered—then fled[502]across the plain.Well, boy, the rest is all confused: there was a fearful rout;I saw our troopers chase the foe, and heard their maddened shout.Then came a blank: my senses reeled, I know not how I fell;I seemed to grapple with a foe, but that I cannot tell.My mind was gone: when it came back I saw the moon[503]on high,Around me all was still[504]as death. I gazed[505]up at the sky,And watched the glimmering stars above,—so quiet did they seem,—And all that dreadful field appeared like some wild, fearful[506]dream.But memory soon came back again, and cleared my wandering brain,And then from every joint and limb shot fiery darts of pain.My throat was parched, the burning thirst increased with every breath;I made no effort to arise, but wished and prayed for death.My bridle arm was broken, and lay throbbing on the sward,But something still my right hand grasped: I thought it was my sword.I raised[507]my hand to cast it off,—no reeking blade was there;Then life and strength returned,—I beheld the Standard of the Square!With bounding heart I gained my feet. Oh! then I wished to live,’Twas strange the strength and love of life that standard seemed to give!I gazed around: far down the vale I saw a camp-fire’s glow.[508]With wandering step I ran that way,—I recked not friend or foe.Though stumbling now o’er heaps of dead, now o’er a stiffened horse,I heeded not, but watched the light, and held my onward course.But soon that flash of strength had failed, and checked my feverish speed;Again my throat was all ablaze, my wounds began to bleed.I knew that if I fell again my chance of life was gone.So, leaning on the standard pole, I still kept struggling on.At length I neared the camp-fire: there were scarlet jackets round,And swords and brazen helmets lay strewn upon the ground.Some distance off, in order ranged, stood men,[509]—about a score:O God! ’twas all that now remained of my old gallant corps!The muster-roll was being called: to every well-known nameI heard the solemn answer—“Dead!” At length my own turn came.I paused to hear,—a comrade answered, “Dead! I saw him fall!”I could not move another step, I tried in vain to call.My life was flowing fast, and all around was gathering haze,And o’er the heather tops I watched my comrades’ cheerful blaze.I thought such anguish as I felt was more than man could bear,O God! it was an awful thing to die with help so near!And death was stealing o’er me: with the strength of wild despair.I raised the standard o’er my head, and waved it through the air.Then all grew dim: the fire, the men, all vanished from my sight,My senses reeled: I know no more of that eventful night.’Twas weeks before my mind came back: I knew not where I lay,But kindly hands were round me, and old comrades came each day.They told me how the waving flag that night had caught their eye,And how they found me bleeding there, and thought that I must die;No wonder ’twas with all their care, I soon began to mend.The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hearHow England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.I parted from my brave old corps: ’twere matter, friends, for tears,To leave the kind old comrades I had ridden with for years.I was no longer fit for war, my wanderings had to cease.There, boys, I’ve told you all my tale, now let me smoke in peace.—James Boyle O’Reilly.Published by special permission.Gestures.[476]H. F.[477]D. F.[478]B. H. O.[479]H. B.[480]H. Sw.[481]H. L.[482]B. H. F.[483]Sp.[484]H. L.[485]Left H. O.[486]A. F.[487]B. D. O.[488]D. F.[489]Ind. D. F.[490]V. D. L.[491]H. F.[492]H. F.[493]Sp.[494]B. H. F.[495]Sp.[496]Raised Fists.[497]Sp.[498]P. D. B.[499]D. B.[500]H. F.[501]Grasp.[502]Left H. L.[503]A. O.[504]B. P. H. O.[505]Look up.[506]V. H. O.[507]Raise hand.[508]D. F.[509]H. F.
Well, lads, it was in summer time, and just at morning’s lightWe heard the “Boot and Saddle” sound: the foe was then in sight,Just winding round a distant hill[476]and opening on the plain.Each trooper looked with careful eye to girth and curb and rein.We snatched a hasty breakfast—we were old campaigners then:That morn, of all our splendid corps, we’d scarce one hundred men;But they were soldiers, tried and true, who’d rather die[477]than yield;The rest were scattered far and wide[478]o’er many a hard-fought field.Our trumpet now rang sharply out, and at a swinging-paceWe left the bivouac behind;[479]and soon the eye could trace[480]The columns moving o’er the plain. Oh! ’twas a stirring sightTo see two mighty armies there preparing for the fight:To watch the heavy masses, as, with practised, steady wheel,They opened out in slender lines of brightly flashing steel.Our place was on the farther flank,[481]behind some rising ground,That hid the stirring scene from view; but soon a booming soundProclaimed the opening of the fight. Then war’s loud thunder rolled,And hurtling shells and whistling balls their deadly message told.We hoped to have a gallant day; our hearts were all aglow;We longed for one wild, sweeping charge,[482]to chase the flying foeOur troopers marked the hours glide by, but still no orders came:They clutched their swords[483]and muttered words ’twere better not to name.For hours the loud artillery roared—the sun was at its height—Still there we lay behind the hill,[484]shut out from all the fight!We heard the maddened charging yells, the ringing British cheers,And all the din of glorious war kept sounding in our ears.Our hearts with fierce impatience throbbed, we cursed the very hillThat hid the sight: the evening fell, and we were idle still.The horses, too, were almost wild, and told with angry snortAnd blazing eye their fierce desire to join the savage sport.When lower still the sun had sunk, and with it all our hope,A horseman, soiled with smoke and sweat, came dashing down the slope.[485]He bore the wished-for orders. “At last!” our Colonel cried:And as he read the brief dispatch, his glance was filled with pride.Then he who bore the orders, in a low, emphatic tone,The stern, expressive sentence spake “Hesaid it must be done!”“Itshallbe done!” our Colonel cried. “Men, look to strap and girth,We’ve work to do this day, will prove what every man is worth;Ay, work, my lads, will make amends for all our long delay—The General says on us depends the fortune of the day!”No order needed we to mount—each man was in his place,And stern and dangerous was the look on every veteran face.We trotted sharply up the hill,[486]and halted on the brow,And then that glorious field appeared.[487]Oh! lad, I see it now!But little time had we to spare for idle gazing then:Beneath us in the valley,[488]stood a dark-clad mass of men:It cut the British line in two. Our Colonel shouted, “There![489]Behold your work! Our orders areto charge and break that square!”Each trooper drew a heavy breath, then gathered up his reins,And pressed the helmet o’er his brow, the horses tossed their manesIn protest fierce against the curb, and spurned[490]the springy heath,Impatient for the trumpet’s sound to bid them rush to death.Well, boy, that moment seemed an hour: at last we heard the words—“Dragoons! I know you’ll follow me. Ride steady, men! Draw swords!”The trumpet sounded: off[491]we dashed, at first with steady pace,But growing swifter as we went. Oh, ’twas a gallant race!Three-fourths the ground was left behind: the loud and thrilling “Charge!”Rang out; but fairly frantic now, we needed not to urgeWith voice or rein our gallant steeds, or touch their foaming flanks,They seemed to fly. Now straight in front[492]appeared the kneeling ranks.Above them waved[493]a standard broad: we saw their rifles raised—A moment more, with awful crash, the deadly volley blazed.The bullets whistled through our ranks, and many a trooper fell;But we were left. What cared we then? but onward rushing still!Again the crash roared fiercely out; but on![494]still madly on!We heard the shrieks of dying men, but recked not who was gone.We gored the horses’ foaming flanks, and on through smoke and glare.We wildly dashed, with clenched teeth. We had no thought, no care!Then came a sudden, sweeping rush. Again with savage heelI struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o’er[495]their steel!Well, friend, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made,But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped[496]a reeking blade.I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seemed filled with blood:I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,And falling back he crushed[498]their ranks and broke their guarded square!My comrades[499]saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engagedIn such a wild and savage fight as now around me raged.The foe had ceased their firing, and now plied the deadly steel:Though all our men were wounded then, no pain they seemed to feel.No groans escaped from those who fell, but horrid oaths instead,And scowling looks of hate were on the features of the dead.The fight was round the standard: though outnumbered ten to one,We held our ground,—ay, more than that,—we still kept pushing on.[500]Our men now made a desperate rush to take the flag by storm.I seized the pole,[501]a blow came down and crushed my outstretched arm.I felt a sudden thrill of pain, but that soon passed away;And with a devilish thirst for blood, again I joined the fray.At last we rallied all our strength, and charged o’er heaps of slain:Some fought to death; some wavered—then fled[502]across the plain.Well, boy, the rest is all confused: there was a fearful rout;I saw our troopers chase the foe, and heard their maddened shout.Then came a blank: my senses reeled, I know not how I fell;I seemed to grapple with a foe, but that I cannot tell.My mind was gone: when it came back I saw the moon[503]on high,Around me all was still[504]as death. I gazed[505]up at the sky,And watched the glimmering stars above,—so quiet did they seem,—And all that dreadful field appeared like some wild, fearful[506]dream.But memory soon came back again, and cleared my wandering brain,And then from every joint and limb shot fiery darts of pain.My throat was parched, the burning thirst increased with every breath;I made no effort to arise, but wished and prayed for death.My bridle arm was broken, and lay throbbing on the sward,But something still my right hand grasped: I thought it was my sword.I raised[507]my hand to cast it off,—no reeking blade was there;Then life and strength returned,—I beheld the Standard of the Square!With bounding heart I gained my feet. Oh! then I wished to live,’Twas strange the strength and love of life that standard seemed to give!I gazed around: far down the vale I saw a camp-fire’s glow.[508]With wandering step I ran that way,—I recked not friend or foe.Though stumbling now o’er heaps of dead, now o’er a stiffened horse,I heeded not, but watched the light, and held my onward course.But soon that flash of strength had failed, and checked my feverish speed;Again my throat was all ablaze, my wounds began to bleed.I knew that if I fell again my chance of life was gone.So, leaning on the standard pole, I still kept struggling on.At length I neared the camp-fire: there were scarlet jackets round,And swords and brazen helmets lay strewn upon the ground.Some distance off, in order ranged, stood men,[509]—about a score:O God! ’twas all that now remained of my old gallant corps!The muster-roll was being called: to every well-known nameI heard the solemn answer—“Dead!” At length my own turn came.I paused to hear,—a comrade answered, “Dead! I saw him fall!”I could not move another step, I tried in vain to call.My life was flowing fast, and all around was gathering haze,And o’er the heather tops I watched my comrades’ cheerful blaze.I thought such anguish as I felt was more than man could bear,O God! it was an awful thing to die with help so near!And death was stealing o’er me: with the strength of wild despair.I raised the standard o’er my head, and waved it through the air.Then all grew dim: the fire, the men, all vanished from my sight,My senses reeled: I know no more of that eventful night.’Twas weeks before my mind came back: I knew not where I lay,But kindly hands were round me, and old comrades came each day.They told me how the waving flag that night had caught their eye,And how they found me bleeding there, and thought that I must die;No wonder ’twas with all their care, I soon began to mend.The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hearHow England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.I parted from my brave old corps: ’twere matter, friends, for tears,To leave the kind old comrades I had ridden with for years.I was no longer fit for war, my wanderings had to cease.There, boys, I’ve told you all my tale, now let me smoke in peace.—James Boyle O’Reilly.
Well, lads, it was in summer time, and just at morning’s lightWe heard the “Boot and Saddle” sound: the foe was then in sight,Just winding round a distant hill[476]and opening on the plain.Each trooper looked with careful eye to girth and curb and rein.We snatched a hasty breakfast—we were old campaigners then:That morn, of all our splendid corps, we’d scarce one hundred men;But they were soldiers, tried and true, who’d rather die[477]than yield;The rest were scattered far and wide[478]o’er many a hard-fought field.Our trumpet now rang sharply out, and at a swinging-paceWe left the bivouac behind;[479]and soon the eye could trace[480]The columns moving o’er the plain. Oh! ’twas a stirring sightTo see two mighty armies there preparing for the fight:To watch the heavy masses, as, with practised, steady wheel,They opened out in slender lines of brightly flashing steel.Our place was on the farther flank,[481]behind some rising ground,That hid the stirring scene from view; but soon a booming soundProclaimed the opening of the fight. Then war’s loud thunder rolled,And hurtling shells and whistling balls their deadly message told.We hoped to have a gallant day; our hearts were all aglow;We longed for one wild, sweeping charge,[482]to chase the flying foeOur troopers marked the hours glide by, but still no orders came:They clutched their swords[483]and muttered words ’twere better not to name.For hours the loud artillery roared—the sun was at its height—Still there we lay behind the hill,[484]shut out from all the fight!We heard the maddened charging yells, the ringing British cheers,And all the din of glorious war kept sounding in our ears.Our hearts with fierce impatience throbbed, we cursed the very hillThat hid the sight: the evening fell, and we were idle still.The horses, too, were almost wild, and told with angry snortAnd blazing eye their fierce desire to join the savage sport.When lower still the sun had sunk, and with it all our hope,A horseman, soiled with smoke and sweat, came dashing down the slope.[485]He bore the wished-for orders. “At last!” our Colonel cried:And as he read the brief dispatch, his glance was filled with pride.Then he who bore the orders, in a low, emphatic tone,The stern, expressive sentence spake “Hesaid it must be done!”“Itshallbe done!” our Colonel cried. “Men, look to strap and girth,We’ve work to do this day, will prove what every man is worth;Ay, work, my lads, will make amends for all our long delay—The General says on us depends the fortune of the day!”No order needed we to mount—each man was in his place,And stern and dangerous was the look on every veteran face.We trotted sharply up the hill,[486]and halted on the brow,And then that glorious field appeared.[487]Oh! lad, I see it now!But little time had we to spare for idle gazing then:Beneath us in the valley,[488]stood a dark-clad mass of men:It cut the British line in two. Our Colonel shouted, “There![489]Behold your work! Our orders areto charge and break that square!”Each trooper drew a heavy breath, then gathered up his reins,And pressed the helmet o’er his brow, the horses tossed their manesIn protest fierce against the curb, and spurned[490]the springy heath,Impatient for the trumpet’s sound to bid them rush to death.Well, boy, that moment seemed an hour: at last we heard the words—“Dragoons! I know you’ll follow me. Ride steady, men! Draw swords!”The trumpet sounded: off[491]we dashed, at first with steady pace,But growing swifter as we went. Oh, ’twas a gallant race!Three-fourths the ground was left behind: the loud and thrilling “Charge!”Rang out; but fairly frantic now, we needed not to urgeWith voice or rein our gallant steeds, or touch their foaming flanks,They seemed to fly. Now straight in front[492]appeared the kneeling ranks.Above them waved[493]a standard broad: we saw their rifles raised—A moment more, with awful crash, the deadly volley blazed.The bullets whistled through our ranks, and many a trooper fell;But we were left. What cared we then? but onward rushing still!Again the crash roared fiercely out; but on![494]still madly on!We heard the shrieks of dying men, but recked not who was gone.We gored the horses’ foaming flanks, and on through smoke and glare.We wildly dashed, with clenched teeth. We had no thought, no care!Then came a sudden, sweeping rush. Again with savage heelI struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o’er[495]their steel!Well, friend, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made,But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped[496]a reeking blade.I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seemed filled with blood:I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,And falling back he crushed[498]their ranks and broke their guarded square!My comrades[499]saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engagedIn such a wild and savage fight as now around me raged.The foe had ceased their firing, and now plied the deadly steel:Though all our men were wounded then, no pain they seemed to feel.No groans escaped from those who fell, but horrid oaths instead,And scowling looks of hate were on the features of the dead.The fight was round the standard: though outnumbered ten to one,We held our ground,—ay, more than that,—we still kept pushing on.[500]Our men now made a desperate rush to take the flag by storm.I seized the pole,[501]a blow came down and crushed my outstretched arm.I felt a sudden thrill of pain, but that soon passed away;And with a devilish thirst for blood, again I joined the fray.At last we rallied all our strength, and charged o’er heaps of slain:Some fought to death; some wavered—then fled[502]across the plain.Well, boy, the rest is all confused: there was a fearful rout;I saw our troopers chase the foe, and heard their maddened shout.Then came a blank: my senses reeled, I know not how I fell;I seemed to grapple with a foe, but that I cannot tell.My mind was gone: when it came back I saw the moon[503]on high,Around me all was still[504]as death. I gazed[505]up at the sky,And watched the glimmering stars above,—so quiet did they seem,—And all that dreadful field appeared like some wild, fearful[506]dream.But memory soon came back again, and cleared my wandering brain,And then from every joint and limb shot fiery darts of pain.My throat was parched, the burning thirst increased with every breath;I made no effort to arise, but wished and prayed for death.My bridle arm was broken, and lay throbbing on the sward,But something still my right hand grasped: I thought it was my sword.I raised[507]my hand to cast it off,—no reeking blade was there;Then life and strength returned,—I beheld the Standard of the Square!With bounding heart I gained my feet. Oh! then I wished to live,’Twas strange the strength and love of life that standard seemed to give!I gazed around: far down the vale I saw a camp-fire’s glow.[508]With wandering step I ran that way,—I recked not friend or foe.Though stumbling now o’er heaps of dead, now o’er a stiffened horse,I heeded not, but watched the light, and held my onward course.But soon that flash of strength had failed, and checked my feverish speed;Again my throat was all ablaze, my wounds began to bleed.I knew that if I fell again my chance of life was gone.So, leaning on the standard pole, I still kept struggling on.At length I neared the camp-fire: there were scarlet jackets round,And swords and brazen helmets lay strewn upon the ground.Some distance off, in order ranged, stood men,[509]—about a score:O God! ’twas all that now remained of my old gallant corps!The muster-roll was being called: to every well-known nameI heard the solemn answer—“Dead!” At length my own turn came.I paused to hear,—a comrade answered, “Dead! I saw him fall!”I could not move another step, I tried in vain to call.My life was flowing fast, and all around was gathering haze,And o’er the heather tops I watched my comrades’ cheerful blaze.I thought such anguish as I felt was more than man could bear,O God! it was an awful thing to die with help so near!And death was stealing o’er me: with the strength of wild despair.I raised the standard o’er my head, and waved it through the air.Then all grew dim: the fire, the men, all vanished from my sight,My senses reeled: I know no more of that eventful night.’Twas weeks before my mind came back: I knew not where I lay,But kindly hands were round me, and old comrades came each day.They told me how the waving flag that night had caught their eye,And how they found me bleeding there, and thought that I must die;No wonder ’twas with all their care, I soon began to mend.The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hearHow England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.I parted from my brave old corps: ’twere matter, friends, for tears,To leave the kind old comrades I had ridden with for years.I was no longer fit for war, my wanderings had to cease.There, boys, I’ve told you all my tale, now let me smoke in peace.—James Boyle O’Reilly.
Well, lads, it was in summer time, and just at morning’s light
We heard the “Boot and Saddle” sound: the foe was then in sight,
Just winding round a distant hill[476]and opening on the plain.
Each trooper looked with careful eye to girth and curb and rein.
We snatched a hasty breakfast—we were old campaigners then:
That morn, of all our splendid corps, we’d scarce one hundred men;
But they were soldiers, tried and true, who’d rather die[477]than yield;
The rest were scattered far and wide[478]o’er many a hard-fought field.
Our trumpet now rang sharply out, and at a swinging-pace
We left the bivouac behind;[479]and soon the eye could trace[480]
The columns moving o’er the plain. Oh! ’twas a stirring sight
To see two mighty armies there preparing for the fight:
To watch the heavy masses, as, with practised, steady wheel,
They opened out in slender lines of brightly flashing steel.
Our place was on the farther flank,[481]behind some rising ground,
That hid the stirring scene from view; but soon a booming sound
Proclaimed the opening of the fight. Then war’s loud thunder rolled,
And hurtling shells and whistling balls their deadly message told.
We hoped to have a gallant day; our hearts were all aglow;We longed for one wild, sweeping charge,[482]to chase the flying foeOur troopers marked the hours glide by, but still no orders came:They clutched their swords[483]and muttered words ’twere better not to name.For hours the loud artillery roared—the sun was at its height—Still there we lay behind the hill,[484]shut out from all the fight!We heard the maddened charging yells, the ringing British cheers,And all the din of glorious war kept sounding in our ears.Our hearts with fierce impatience throbbed, we cursed the very hillThat hid the sight: the evening fell, and we were idle still.The horses, too, were almost wild, and told with angry snortAnd blazing eye their fierce desire to join the savage sport.
We hoped to have a gallant day; our hearts were all aglow;
We longed for one wild, sweeping charge,[482]to chase the flying foe
Our troopers marked the hours glide by, but still no orders came:
They clutched their swords[483]and muttered words ’twere better not to name.
For hours the loud artillery roared—the sun was at its height—
Still there we lay behind the hill,[484]shut out from all the fight!
We heard the maddened charging yells, the ringing British cheers,
And all the din of glorious war kept sounding in our ears.
Our hearts with fierce impatience throbbed, we cursed the very hill
That hid the sight: the evening fell, and we were idle still.
The horses, too, were almost wild, and told with angry snort
And blazing eye their fierce desire to join the savage sport.
When lower still the sun had sunk, and with it all our hope,A horseman, soiled with smoke and sweat, came dashing down the slope.[485]He bore the wished-for orders. “At last!” our Colonel cried:And as he read the brief dispatch, his glance was filled with pride.Then he who bore the orders, in a low, emphatic tone,The stern, expressive sentence spake “Hesaid it must be done!”“Itshallbe done!” our Colonel cried. “Men, look to strap and girth,We’ve work to do this day, will prove what every man is worth;Ay, work, my lads, will make amends for all our long delay—The General says on us depends the fortune of the day!”
When lower still the sun had sunk, and with it all our hope,
A horseman, soiled with smoke and sweat, came dashing down the slope.[485]
He bore the wished-for orders. “At last!” our Colonel cried:
And as he read the brief dispatch, his glance was filled with pride.
Then he who bore the orders, in a low, emphatic tone,
The stern, expressive sentence spake “Hesaid it must be done!”
“Itshallbe done!” our Colonel cried. “Men, look to strap and girth,
We’ve work to do this day, will prove what every man is worth;
Ay, work, my lads, will make amends for all our long delay—
The General says on us depends the fortune of the day!”
No order needed we to mount—each man was in his place,And stern and dangerous was the look on every veteran face.We trotted sharply up the hill,[486]and halted on the brow,And then that glorious field appeared.[487]Oh! lad, I see it now!But little time had we to spare for idle gazing then:Beneath us in the valley,[488]stood a dark-clad mass of men:It cut the British line in two. Our Colonel shouted, “There![489]Behold your work! Our orders areto charge and break that square!”Each trooper drew a heavy breath, then gathered up his reins,And pressed the helmet o’er his brow, the horses tossed their manesIn protest fierce against the curb, and spurned[490]the springy heath,Impatient for the trumpet’s sound to bid them rush to death.
No order needed we to mount—each man was in his place,
And stern and dangerous was the look on every veteran face.
We trotted sharply up the hill,[486]and halted on the brow,
And then that glorious field appeared.[487]Oh! lad, I see it now!
But little time had we to spare for idle gazing then:
Beneath us in the valley,[488]stood a dark-clad mass of men:
It cut the British line in two. Our Colonel shouted, “There![489]
Behold your work! Our orders areto charge and break that square!”
Each trooper drew a heavy breath, then gathered up his reins,
And pressed the helmet o’er his brow, the horses tossed their manes
In protest fierce against the curb, and spurned[490]the springy heath,
Impatient for the trumpet’s sound to bid them rush to death.
Well, boy, that moment seemed an hour: at last we heard the words—“Dragoons! I know you’ll follow me. Ride steady, men! Draw swords!”The trumpet sounded: off[491]we dashed, at first with steady pace,But growing swifter as we went. Oh, ’twas a gallant race!Three-fourths the ground was left behind: the loud and thrilling “Charge!”Rang out; but fairly frantic now, we needed not to urgeWith voice or rein our gallant steeds, or touch their foaming flanks,They seemed to fly. Now straight in front[492]appeared the kneeling ranks.Above them waved[493]a standard broad: we saw their rifles raised—A moment more, with awful crash, the deadly volley blazed.
Well, boy, that moment seemed an hour: at last we heard the words—
“Dragoons! I know you’ll follow me. Ride steady, men! Draw swords!”
The trumpet sounded: off[491]we dashed, at first with steady pace,
But growing swifter as we went. Oh, ’twas a gallant race!
Three-fourths the ground was left behind: the loud and thrilling “Charge!”
Rang out; but fairly frantic now, we needed not to urge
With voice or rein our gallant steeds, or touch their foaming flanks,
They seemed to fly. Now straight in front[492]appeared the kneeling ranks.
Above them waved[493]a standard broad: we saw their rifles raised—
A moment more, with awful crash, the deadly volley blazed.
The bullets whistled through our ranks, and many a trooper fell;But we were left. What cared we then? but onward rushing still!Again the crash roared fiercely out; but on![494]still madly on!We heard the shrieks of dying men, but recked not who was gone.We gored the horses’ foaming flanks, and on through smoke and glare.We wildly dashed, with clenched teeth. We had no thought, no care!Then came a sudden, sweeping rush. Again with savage heelI struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o’er[495]their steel!
The bullets whistled through our ranks, and many a trooper fell;
But we were left. What cared we then? but onward rushing still!
Again the crash roared fiercely out; but on![494]still madly on!
We heard the shrieks of dying men, but recked not who was gone.
We gored the horses’ foaming flanks, and on through smoke and glare.
We wildly dashed, with clenched teeth. We had no thought, no care!
Then came a sudden, sweeping rush. Again with savage heel
I struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o’er[495]their steel!
Well, friend, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made,But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped[496]a reeking blade.I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seemed filled with blood:I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.
Well, friend, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made,
But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped[496]a reeking blade.
I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seemed filled with blood:
I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.
I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,
But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]
I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.
The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.
They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,And falling back he crushed[498]their ranks and broke their guarded square!My comrades[499]saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engagedIn such a wild and savage fight as now around me raged.The foe had ceased their firing, and now plied the deadly steel:Though all our men were wounded then, no pain they seemed to feel.No groans escaped from those who fell, but horrid oaths instead,And scowling looks of hate were on the features of the dead.The fight was round the standard: though outnumbered ten to one,We held our ground,—ay, more than that,—we still kept pushing on.[500]
They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,
And falling back he crushed[498]their ranks and broke their guarded square!
My comrades[499]saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:
They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.
I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engaged
In such a wild and savage fight as now around me raged.
The foe had ceased their firing, and now plied the deadly steel:
Though all our men were wounded then, no pain they seemed to feel.
No groans escaped from those who fell, but horrid oaths instead,
And scowling looks of hate were on the features of the dead.
The fight was round the standard: though outnumbered ten to one,
We held our ground,—ay, more than that,—we still kept pushing on.[500]
Our men now made a desperate rush to take the flag by storm.I seized the pole,[501]a blow came down and crushed my outstretched arm.I felt a sudden thrill of pain, but that soon passed away;And with a devilish thirst for blood, again I joined the fray.At last we rallied all our strength, and charged o’er heaps of slain:Some fought to death; some wavered—then fled[502]across the plain.
Our men now made a desperate rush to take the flag by storm.
I seized the pole,[501]a blow came down and crushed my outstretched arm.
I felt a sudden thrill of pain, but that soon passed away;
And with a devilish thirst for blood, again I joined the fray.
At last we rallied all our strength, and charged o’er heaps of slain:
Some fought to death; some wavered—then fled[502]across the plain.
Well, boy, the rest is all confused: there was a fearful rout;I saw our troopers chase the foe, and heard their maddened shout.Then came a blank: my senses reeled, I know not how I fell;I seemed to grapple with a foe, but that I cannot tell.My mind was gone: when it came back I saw the moon[503]on high,Around me all was still[504]as death. I gazed[505]up at the sky,And watched the glimmering stars above,—so quiet did they seem,—And all that dreadful field appeared like some wild, fearful[506]dream.But memory soon came back again, and cleared my wandering brain,And then from every joint and limb shot fiery darts of pain.My throat was parched, the burning thirst increased with every breath;I made no effort to arise, but wished and prayed for death.
Well, boy, the rest is all confused: there was a fearful rout;
I saw our troopers chase the foe, and heard their maddened shout.
Then came a blank: my senses reeled, I know not how I fell;
I seemed to grapple with a foe, but that I cannot tell.
My mind was gone: when it came back I saw the moon[503]on high,
Around me all was still[504]as death. I gazed[505]up at the sky,
And watched the glimmering stars above,—so quiet did they seem,—
And all that dreadful field appeared like some wild, fearful[506]dream.
But memory soon came back again, and cleared my wandering brain,
And then from every joint and limb shot fiery darts of pain.
My throat was parched, the burning thirst increased with every breath;
I made no effort to arise, but wished and prayed for death.
My bridle arm was broken, and lay throbbing on the sward,But something still my right hand grasped: I thought it was my sword.I raised[507]my hand to cast it off,—no reeking blade was there;Then life and strength returned,—I beheld the Standard of the Square!With bounding heart I gained my feet. Oh! then I wished to live,’Twas strange the strength and love of life that standard seemed to give!I gazed around: far down the vale I saw a camp-fire’s glow.[508]With wandering step I ran that way,—I recked not friend or foe.Though stumbling now o’er heaps of dead, now o’er a stiffened horse,I heeded not, but watched the light, and held my onward course.
My bridle arm was broken, and lay throbbing on the sward,
But something still my right hand grasped: I thought it was my sword.
I raised[507]my hand to cast it off,—no reeking blade was there;
Then life and strength returned,—I beheld the Standard of the Square!
With bounding heart I gained my feet. Oh! then I wished to live,
’Twas strange the strength and love of life that standard seemed to give!
I gazed around: far down the vale I saw a camp-fire’s glow.[508]
With wandering step I ran that way,—I recked not friend or foe.
Though stumbling now o’er heaps of dead, now o’er a stiffened horse,
I heeded not, but watched the light, and held my onward course.
But soon that flash of strength had failed, and checked my feverish speed;Again my throat was all ablaze, my wounds began to bleed.I knew that if I fell again my chance of life was gone.So, leaning on the standard pole, I still kept struggling on.At length I neared the camp-fire: there were scarlet jackets round,And swords and brazen helmets lay strewn upon the ground.Some distance off, in order ranged, stood men,[509]—about a score:O God! ’twas all that now remained of my old gallant corps!The muster-roll was being called: to every well-known nameI heard the solemn answer—“Dead!” At length my own turn came.
But soon that flash of strength had failed, and checked my feverish speed;
Again my throat was all ablaze, my wounds began to bleed.
I knew that if I fell again my chance of life was gone.
So, leaning on the standard pole, I still kept struggling on.
At length I neared the camp-fire: there were scarlet jackets round,
And swords and brazen helmets lay strewn upon the ground.
Some distance off, in order ranged, stood men,[509]—about a score:
O God! ’twas all that now remained of my old gallant corps!
The muster-roll was being called: to every well-known name
I heard the solemn answer—“Dead!” At length my own turn came.
I paused to hear,—a comrade answered, “Dead! I saw him fall!”I could not move another step, I tried in vain to call.My life was flowing fast, and all around was gathering haze,And o’er the heather tops I watched my comrades’ cheerful blaze.I thought such anguish as I felt was more than man could bear,O God! it was an awful thing to die with help so near!And death was stealing o’er me: with the strength of wild despair.I raised the standard o’er my head, and waved it through the air.Then all grew dim: the fire, the men, all vanished from my sight,My senses reeled: I know no more of that eventful night.
I paused to hear,—a comrade answered, “Dead! I saw him fall!”
I could not move another step, I tried in vain to call.
My life was flowing fast, and all around was gathering haze,
And o’er the heather tops I watched my comrades’ cheerful blaze.
I thought such anguish as I felt was more than man could bear,
O God! it was an awful thing to die with help so near!
And death was stealing o’er me: with the strength of wild despair.
I raised the standard o’er my head, and waved it through the air.
Then all grew dim: the fire, the men, all vanished from my sight,
My senses reeled: I know no more of that eventful night.
’Twas weeks before my mind came back: I knew not where I lay,But kindly hands were round me, and old comrades came each day.They told me how the waving flag that night had caught their eye,And how they found me bleeding there, and thought that I must die;No wonder ’twas with all their care, I soon began to mend.The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.
’Twas weeks before my mind came back: I knew not where I lay,
But kindly hands were round me, and old comrades came each day.
They told me how the waving flag that night had caught their eye,
And how they found me bleeding there, and thought that I must die;
No wonder ’twas with all their care, I soon began to mend.
The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,
But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.
Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,
And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.
We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hearHow England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.I parted from my brave old corps: ’twere matter, friends, for tears,To leave the kind old comrades I had ridden with for years.I was no longer fit for war, my wanderings had to cease.There, boys, I’ve told you all my tale, now let me smoke in peace.—James Boyle O’Reilly.
We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hear
How England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.
But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,
The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.
Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.
They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.
I parted from my brave old corps: ’twere matter, friends, for tears,
To leave the kind old comrades I had ridden with for years.
I was no longer fit for war, my wanderings had to cease.
There, boys, I’ve told you all my tale, now let me smoke in peace.
—James Boyle O’Reilly.
Published by special permission.
Gestures.