When twice the dizzy charge had been retraced;
They found no weakling foe was that ahead
And shivered at the task which yet they faced.
Above doomed Charlestown bombs were bursting shrill,
And flaming steeples pierced the pitying sky
As eager feet kept marching, marching by
To where the cheer triumphant sent a thrill
Athwart the loyal breast of Bunker Hill.
"Aim low and fire!" Well might the red-coats fly
Before the "echo" of brave Prescott's cry,