Lyon.

Some hearts there are of deeper sort, 2Prophetic, sad, Which yet for cause are trebly clad; 2Known death they fly on: This wizard-heart and heart-of-oak had Lyon.

"They are more than twenty thousand strong, 2We less than five, Too few with such a host to strive" 2"Such counsel, fie on! 'Tis battle, or 'tis shame;" and firm stood Lyon.

"For help at need in van we wait— 2Retreat or fight: Retreat the foe would take for flight, 2And each proud scion Feel more elate; the end must come," said Lyon.

By candlelight he wrote the will, 2And left his all To Her for whom 'twas not enough to fall; 2Loud neighed Orion Without the tent; drums beat; we marched with Lyon.

The night-tramp done, we spied the Vale 2With guard-fires lit; Day broke, but trooping clouds made gloom of it: 2"A field to die on" Presaged in his unfaltering heart, brave Lyon.

We fought on the grass, we bled in the corn— 2Fate seemed malign; His horse the Leader led along the line— 2Star-browed Orion; Bitterly fearless, he rallied us there, brave Lyon.

There came a sound like the slitting of air 2By a swift sharp sword— A rush of the sound; and the sleek chest broad 2Of black Orion Heaved, and was fixed; the dead mane waved toward Lyon.

"General, you're hurt—this sleet of balls!" 2He seemed half spent; With moody and bloody brow, he lowly bent: 2"The field to die on; But not—not yet; the day is long," breathed Lyon.

For a time becharmed there fell a lull 2In the heart of the fight; The tree-tops nod, the slain sleep light; 2Warm noon-winds sigh on, And thoughts which he never spake had Lyon.

Texans and Indians trim for a charge: 2"Stand ready, men! Let them come close, right up, and then 2After the lead, the iron; Fire, and charge back!" So strength returned to Lyon.

The Iowa men who held the van, 2Half drilled, were new To battle: "Some one lead us, then we'll do" 2Said Corporal Tryon: "Men! I will lead," and a light glared in Lyon.

On they came: they yelped, and fired; 2His spirit sped; We leveled right in, and the half-breeds fled, 2Nor stayed the iron, Nor captured the crimson corse of Lyon.

This seer foresaw his soldier-doom, 2Yet willed the fight. He never turned; his only flight 2Was up to Zion, Where prophets now and armies greet brave Lyon.