Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/32

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Lyon.
Battle of Springfield, Missouri.
(August, 1861.)


Some hearts there are of deeper sort,
Prophetic, sad,
Which yet for cause are trebly clad;
Known death they fly on:
This wizard-heart and heart-of-oak had Lyon.

"They are more than twenty thousand strong,
We less than five,
Too few with such a host to strive"
"Such counsel, fie on!
'Tis battle, or 'tis shame;" and firm stood Lyon.

"For help at need in van we wait—
Retreat or fight:
Retreat the foe would take for flight,
And each proud scion

Feel more elate; the end must come," said Lyon.