As hang two mighty thunderclouds Ere lightnings link the twain, So lie we and the Mexican On Palo Alto plain; And silence, solemn, dread, profound, Broods o'er the waiting battle-ground. We see the foeman's musketeers Deployed upon his right, And on his left the cavalry Stand, hungry for the fight; But that blank centre -- what? Alas 'T is hidden by the prairie grass! Old Rough and Ready scans the foe; "I would I knew," says he, "Whether or no that lofty grass Conceals artillery. Could I but bring that spot in ken, 'T were worth to me five thousand men!" Then forward steps Lieutenant Blake, Touches his hat, and says, "I wait command to ride and see What 'neath that prairie lays." We stand amazed: no cowards, we: But this is more than bravery! "'Command'!" cries Taylor; "nay, I ne'er To such a deed 'command!'" Then bends he o'er his horse's neck And takes as brave a hand As e'er a loyal sabre bore: "God bless you, Blake," he says -- no more. The soldier to his saddle springs And gayly waves good-by, Determination on his lips, A proud light in his eye: And then, as pity holds our breath, We see him dare that road of death. To utmost pace his steed he spurs. Save that his sword hangs free, It were as though a madman charged A nation's chivalry! On, on, he flies, his steed unreined Till yonder hillock's crest is gained. And now he checks his horse, dismounts, And coolly through his glass Surveys the phalanx of the foe That lies beyond the grass. A musket-flash! They move! Advance! Halt! -- 't was the sunlight on a lance! He turns, remounts, and speeds him back. Hark! what is that we hear? Across the rolling prairie rings -- A gun? ah, no -- a cheer! A noble tribute sweeps the plain: A thousand throats take up the strain. Safe! But the secret to unveil Taylor no longer seeks; For with a roar that shakes the earth That unmasked centre speaks! 'Gainst fearful odds, till set of sun, We battle -- and the field is won! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LYRICS TO IANTHE (2). LAMENT by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR ADONAIS; AN ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF JOHN KEATS by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY SONNET TO LIBERTY by OSCAR WILDE BLESSING THE LIGHTS by ALTER ABELSON THE OLD KIRK YARD by THOMAS HAYNES BAYLY THE PIRATEER by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE |