Two huge armies outstretched, and between them the undulant valley
Basking broad, as asleep; only now and again through the quiet
Ripped the skirmishers’ rifles, a crackle increasing, then ceasing;
Now and again from the Right came the rolling rumors of battle
Echoing far, but disturbed not the dream of the armies enchanted:
Ceased at the last all sound, and the magical slumber was deepened.
So the bright hot day drew on to the noontide, and passed it.
Scarce had the old-fashioned clocks, in the farmhouses hushed, apprehensive,—
Equably telling the tale of the fire-wingèd minutes that fleeted
Bearing the death of men, as in days of peace, when the minutes