Carry his body hence, Kings must have slaves; Kings climb to eminence Over men's graves; So this man's eyes are dim;Throw the earth over him. What was the white you touched There at his side? Paper his hand had clutched Tight ere he died; — Message or wish, may be ;Smooth the folds out and see. Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered. Stormed at with shot and shell, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred. Flashed all their sabres bare, All the world wondered. Plunged in the battery smoke, Right through the line they broke Cossack and Russian Reeled from the sabre-stroke. Shattered and sundered. Then they rode back, but not — Not the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volleyed and thundered. Stormed at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell, Those that had fought so well Came through the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of Hell, All that was left of them, When can their glory fade? WARREN'S ADDRESS. JOHN PIERPONT. STAND! the ground's your own, my braves! Will ye give it up to slaves? Will ye look for greener graves Hope ye mercy still? What's the mercy despots feel? Hear it in that battle peal! Ask it ye who will! Fear ye foes who kill for hire? Who have done it! From the vale Leaden rain and leaden hail Let their welcome be! In the God of battles trust! Die we may and die we must; As where heaven its dews shall shed And the rocks shall raise their head Of his deeds to tell! THE NORMAN BATTLE-SONG. ANONYMOUS. Aux fils des preux! ye sons of fame! Fight! for your valiant sires laid low! Aux fils des preux! red be your swords. Aux fils des preux! full many a heart Fair hands the victor's crown are wreathing! |