And doubly strange that fearful sight to one who ne’er before,
Amid the shouting of the hosts, and the cannon’s deadly roar,
Had seen a fellow-mortal lie thus lifeless in his gore.
But rage supplanted this at once—my heart grew strong again;
Uprose grim wrath and bitter hate, and bitterer disdain.
I longed to add a leaden drop unto that whizzing rain—
The tenderness of youth I found forevermore had gone.
My cheek was leaned upon my gun, the sight was finely drawn
Upon a gold-laced officer who cheered the Hessians on;
And, trembling in my eagerness to strike for home a blow,