Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/168



the wings of a sunny Dome expand

I saw a Banner in gladsome air—

Starry, like Berenice's Hair—

Afloat in broadened bravery there;

With undulating long-drawn flow,

As rolled Brazilian billows go

Voluminously o'er the Line.

The Land reposed in peace below;

The children in their glee

Were folded to the exulting heart

Of young Maternity.

Later, and it streamed in fight

When tempest mingled with the fray,

And over the spear-point of the shaft

I saw the ambiguous lightning play.

Valor with Valor strove, and died:

Fierce was Despair, and cruel was Pride;