Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/203

Rh They leave the road and take the wood,

And mark the trace of ridges there—

A wood where once had slept the farm—

A wood where once tobacco grew

Drowsily in the hazy air,

And wrought in all kind things a calm—

Such influence, Mosby! bids disarm.

To ease even yet the place did woo—

To ease which pines unstirring share,

For ease the weary horses sighed:

Halting, and slackening girths, they feed,

Their pipes they light, they loiter there;

Then up, and urging still the Guide,

On, and after Mosby ride.

This Guide in frowzy coat of brown,

And beard of ancient growth and mould,

Bestrode a bony steed and strong,

As suited well with bulk he bore—

A wheezy man with depth of hold

Who jouncing went. A staff he swung—

A wight whom Mosby's wasp had stung.