THE BATTLE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR.
(Bombardment of Fort Sumter by the fleet, 7th April, 1863.)
By PAUL H. HAYNE.
I.
II. A thousand warrior-hearts beat high as those dread monsters drew More closely to the game of death across the breezeless blue, And twice ten thousand hearts of those who watched the scene afar, Thrill in the awful hush that bides the battle’s broadening star.
III. Each gunner, moveless by his gun, with rigid aspect stands, The ready lanyards firmly grasped in bold, untrembling hands, So moveless in their marbled calm, their stern heroic guise, They looked like forms of statued stone with burning human eyes!
IV. Our banners on the outmost walls, with stately rustling fold, Flash back from arch and parapet the sunlight’s ruddy gold,— They mount to the deep roll of drums, and widely echoing cheers, And then—once more, dark, breathless, hushed, wait the grim cannoneers.