Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/222



That captain was a valorous one

(No irony, but honest truth),

Yet down from his brain cold drops distilled,

Making stalactites in his heart—

A conscientious soul, forsooth;

And with a formal hate was filled

Of Mosby's band; and some he'd killed.

Meantime the lady rueful sat,

Watching the flicker of a fire

Were the Colonel played the outdoor host

In brave old hall of ancient Night.

But ever the dame grew shyer and shyer,

Seeming with private grief engrossed—

Grief far from Mosby, housed or lost.

The ruddy embers showed her pale.

The Soldier did his best devoir:

"Some coffee?—no?—cracker?—one"

Cared for her servant—sought to cheer:

"I know, I know—a cruel war!

But wait—even Mosby'll eat his bun;

The Old Hearth—back to it anon!"