Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/72

 Back to the Alamo, with whose defence The same command which ordered your recall Has trusted me, at best a doubtful honor. Happy the soldier, whom his narrow way Of duty leads securely on his path; His order is his never-failing compass. Its execution his delight and praise. Such, by no means, is the commander's lot, Whose pleasure-cup is bittered by the worm-wood Of Care and grave Responsibility, Who oft, when human wisdom fails his mind. With shuddering hand must draw a doubtful chance From out the urn of fate, which mercilessly Decides on this his merit and his fame. But then, as meet it is, a soldier's wish Succumbs before the voice of discipline.

'Tis strange how oft, what seems to one a burden His neighbor covets as his greatest boon. 'Tis so the case with us; for nothing more I should desire to crown my life's exploits Than to defend the self-same Alamo Which but two months ago the volunteers In my command so gallantly have won. Like as a precious gift I cherished it, Such as we fain repeatedly defend To show, how much we value its possession.