Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/164



"Sharp words we had before the fight;

But—now the fight is done—

Look, here's my hand," said the Victor bold,

"Take it—an honest one!

What, holding back? I mean you well;

Though worsted, you strove stoutly, man;

The odds were great; I honor you;

Man honors man.

"Still silent, friend? can grudges be?

Yet am I held a foe?—

Turned to the wall, on his cot he lies—

Never I'll leave him so!

Brave one! I here implore your hand;

Dumb still? all fellowship fled?

Nay, then, I'll have this stubborn hand"

He snatched it—it was dead.