Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/211

Rh Meanwhile the mounted captives near

Jested; and yet they anxious showed;

Virginians; some of family-pride,

And young, and full of fire, and fine

In open feature and cheek that glowed;

And here thralled vagabonds now they ride—

But list! one speaks for Mosby's side.

"Why, three to one—your horses strong—

Revolvers, rifles, and a surprise—

Surrender we account no shame!

We live, are gay, and life is hope;

We'll fight again when fight is wise.

There are plenty more from where we came;

But go find Mosby—start the game!"

Yet one there was who looked but glum;

In middle-age, a father he,

And this his first experience too:

"They shot at my heart when my hands were up—

This fighting's crazy work, I see"

But noon is high; what next do?

The woods are mute, and Mosby is the foe.