Bold Stark rode slowly down the ranks, with proud, uncovered head—
So quiet we that on the turf we heard his horse’s tread—
And at the centre drew his rein, and these the words he said—
“Boys! yonder are the red-coat troops, and, mark me every one,
We win this fight for truth and right, before the day be done,
Or Molly Stark’s a widow at the setting of the sun!”
Loud rang the cheering in reply, but through the ranks there ran
A murmur, for they felt it long until the fight began,
Although they knew the tardiness was from a well-formed plan.
For in their hurried council there our leaders planned the fight,