For each distrust of a nervous mood,

Long miles we’d make in this our ride

Through Mosby-land.—Oh! with the Guide!”

Then sportful to the Surgeon turned:

“Green sashes hardly serve by night”

“Nor bullets nor bottles,” the Major sighed,

“Against these moccasin-snakes—such foes

As seldom come to solid fight:

They kill and vanish; through grass they glide;

Devil take Mosby!—” his horse here shied.