Suddenly out of the wood, with a swift and resolute movement,
Over the long slow slope of the hollowing plain to the eastward,
Swept the tried Virginians, the war-seasoned soldiers of Pickett.
Swinging with springing step, in the distance a rhythmic pulsation,
Blithely they marched as those who march in a holiday pageant;
Lightly they marched, and afar the foemen that looked on them loved them.
Rode at the head of the column Pickett the soldier intrepid,
Proudly, with cap a-slant, and cavalier locks free-floating;
Rode with their brave brigades Armistead, Kemper, and Garnett.
Joined the advance on the left, Pettigrew leading and Trimble,