Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/208

200 The Surgeon (sashed in sacred green)

Was glad 'twas not for him to say

What next should be; if a trooper bleeds,

Why he will do his best, as wont,

And his partner in black will aid and pray;

But judgment bides with him who leads,

And Mosby many a problem breeds.

The Surgeon was the kindliest man

That ever a callous trace professed;

He felt for him, that Leader young,

And offered medicine from his flask:

The Colonel took it with marvelous zest.

For such fine medicine good and strong,

Oft Mosby and his foresters long.

A charm of proof. "Ho, Major, come—

Pounce on yon men! Take half your troop,

Through the thickets wind—pray speedy be—

And gain their read. And, Captain Morn,

Picket these roads—all travelers stop;

The rest to the edge of this crest with me,

That Mosby and his scouts may see."