Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/225



"Tut, Major! by what craft or guile—"

"Can't tell! but he'll be found in wait.

Softly we enter, say, the town—

Good! pickets post, and all so sure—

When—crack! the rifles from every gate,

The Gray-backs fire—dashes up and down—

Each alley unto Mosby known!"

"Now, Major, now—you take dark views

Of a moonlight night." "Well, well, we'll see"

And smoked as if each whiff were gain.

The other mused; then sudden asked,

"What would you do in grand decree"

I'd beat, if I could, Lee's armies—then

Send constables after Mosby's men."

"Ay! ay!—you're odd." The moon sailed up;

On through the shadowy land they went.

"Names must be made and printed be!"

Hummed the blithe Colonel. "Doc, your flask!

Major, I drink to your good content.

My pipe is out—enough for me!

One's buttons shine—does Mosby see?