Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/197

Rh A scout toward Aldie broke the spell.—

The Leader lies before his tent

Gazing at heaven's all-cheering lamp

Through blandness of a morning rare;

His thoughts on bitter-sweets are bent:

His sunny bride is in the camp—

But Mosby—graves are beds of damp!

The trumpet calls; he goes within;

But none the prayer and sob may know:

Her hero he, but bridegroom too.

Ah, love in a tent is a queenly thing,

And fame, be sure, refines the vow;

But fame fond wives have lived to rue,

And Mosby's men fell deeds can do.

''Tan-tara! tan-tara! tan-tara!''

Mounted and armed he sits a king;

For pride she smiles if now she peep—

Elate he rides at the head of his men;

He is young, and command is a boyish thing:

They file out into the forest deep—

Do Mosby and his rangers sleep?