Example III.—Woman on the Field of Battle.
"Gentle and | lovely form,
What didst | thou here,
When the fierce | battle storm
Bore down | the spear?
Banner and | shiver'd crest,
Beside | thee strown,
Tell that a |-midst the best
Thy work was done!
Low lies the | stately head,
Earth-bound | the free:
How gave those | haughty dead
A place | to thee?
Slumb'rer! thine | early bier
Friends should | have crown'd,
Many a |flow'r and tear
Shedding | around.
Soft voices, | dear and young,
Mingling | their swell,
Should o'er thy | dust have sung
Earth's last | farewell.
Sisters a |-bove the grave
Of thy | repose
Should have bid | vi'lets wave
With the | white rose.
Now must the | trumpet's note.
Savage | and shrill,
For requi'm | o'er thee float,
Thou fair | and still!
And the swift | charger sweep,
In full | career,
Trampling thy | place of sleep—
Why cam'st | thou here?
Why?—Ask the | true heart why
Woman | hath been
Ever, where | brave men die,
Unshrink |-ing seen.