Scarce bent the grass beneath their feet’s light stroke.

And yet, more oft, mocked was ambition’s toil,

Modest outers, and “mags,” scarce less obscure,

Rewarding hope with a disdainful smile!

Provoking language the reverse of pure.

They freedom asked for, from vexatious strife.

Their well-aimed bullets never learned to stray,

And never yet endangered limb or life,

While to the butts they sped their noiseless way.

Full many a budding shot, with vision keen,