Dreaming, maybe, of loved ones far away,

When came a sudden trumpet-call—To horse!

Another moment saw us in the saddle,

And tearing on—we knew not why nor whither.

Then came a shock of strong men breast to breast—

A clash of swords—a hurricane of blows—

I on my back, half blind with blood and rage,

A thousand devils dancing in my eyes,

And friends and foes in wild entanglement,

All tussling for my body—then, a wrench—