Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/227



As restive they turn, how sore they feel,

And cross, and sleepy, and full of spleen,

And curse the war. "Fools, North and South"

Said one right out. "O for a bed!

O now to drop in this woodland green"

He drops as the syllables leave his mouth—

Mosby speaks from the undergrowth—

Speaks in a volley! out jets the flame!

Men fall from their saddles like plums from trees;

Horses take fright, reins tangle and bind;

"Steady—Dismount—form—and into the wood"

They go, but find what scarce can please:

Their steeds have been tied in the field behind,

And Mosby's men are off like the wind.

Sound the recall! vain to pursue—

The enemy scatters in wilds he knows,

To reunite in his own good time;

And, to follow, they need divide—

To come lone and lost on crouching foes:

Maple and hemlock, beech and lime,

Are Mosby's confederates, share the crime.