Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/32



Some hearts there are of deeper sort,

Prophetic, sad,

Which yet for cause are trebly clad;

Known death they fly on:

This wizard-heart and heart-of-oak had Lyon.

"They are more than twenty thousand strong,

We less than five,

Too few with such a host to strive"

"Such counsel, fie on!

'Tis battle, or 'tis shame;" and firm stood Lyon.

"For help at need in van we wait—

Retreat or fight:

Retreat the foe would take for flight,

And each proud scion

Feel more elate; the end must come," said Lyon.