Against me raised the hand of every one.

The time had come when I must make my choice,

Defend one side with musket and with voice;

Then I, to conscience and convictions true,

Seemed an apostate,—for I chose the blue.

There are inscriptions on the scrolls of fate

Which seem too bitter even to relate.

I waive the details,—better to conceal

The secret skeletons, than to reveal.

I shall not tell you how my brother stormed,