The Downing legends : Stories in Rhyme :: :: University of Virginia Library

With measured tread of sounding feet,
Their shining arms at even slant
And not a visage turned askant,
The column straight from front to rear
And angled like a shapely pier,
As though a granite wall should come
Along the ways to sound of drum.

So marched the scarlet-coated men
Who sought the Shiloh Lion's den;
While tory horse in careless ranks
Patrolled the van, the rear, the flanks;
And, far in advance, loosely strayed
Six braves to watch for ambuscade.

Some yards before the musketeers
A fiery courser pricked his ears
And stamped the earthly ways in scorn
As though he were a steed of Morn
Who longed to set his wings a-flare
And transverse avenues of air.
This charger lightly bore along
The chief of all the martial throng,
A gracious youth of noble mould
In brave attire of red and gold,
Whose lilied cheek and flaxen curls
Reminded one of youngling girls.
A noble youth he surely was,
Who dearly loved his country's cause,
And loved his king with reverence,
Nor dreaded death in their defence;
Who also loved his ancient name,
And longed to give it statelier fame

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Than any that his sires had won
Crusading 'neath Judean sun;
And therefore loved the trumpet's bray,
The battle set in proud array,
The volley's crash, the cannonade,
The gleam of bayonet and blade.