Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/98



impulse seized the host

Inspired by heaven's elastic air;&#91;9&#93;

Their hearts outran their General's plan,

Though Grant commanded there—

Grant, who without reserve can dare;

And, "Well, go on and do your will"

He said, and measured the mountain then:

So master-riders fling the rein—

But you must know your men.

On yester-morn in grayish mist,

Armies like ghosts on hills had fought,

And rolled from the cloud their thunders loud

The Cumberlands far had caught:

To-day the sunlit steeps are sought.

Grant stood on cliffs whence all was plain,

And smoked as one who feels no cares;

But mastered nervousness intense

Alone such calmness wears.