Classic Poem

LVI

The Day of Battle

" Far I hear the bugle blow
To call me where I would not go,
And the guns begin the song,
" Soldier, fly or stay for long. "

" Comrade, if to turn and fly
Made a soldier never die,
Fly I would, for who would not?
'Tis sure no pleasure to be shot.

" But since the man that runs away
Lives to die another day,
And cowards' funerals, when they come,
Are not wept so well at home,

" Therefore, though the best is bad,
Stand and do the best, my lad;
Stand and fight and see your slain,
And take the bullet in your brain."