'For though not one of you espouse my cause,

'I singly will attempt the desperate deed.

'Farewell: I go to find my Love, or die!'

  Silent and motionless the legions stand,

By looks examining each-other's heart:

But soon a murmur through the ranks proceeds,

Swelling as quickly a terrific roar;

Like heavy waters breaking from their mounds,

A long, and loud, and inarticulate shout,

While every weapon vibrates in the air,

And hisses it's fierce vengeance at the foe.

  The righteous cause admits of no delay;

No tardy foot impedes the immediate march:

The Enemy, not taken by surprise,

Wak'd by the watchful fears of conscious guilt,

On their frontiers await the coming foe.

  Now at the near approach of threatening Death,

Full many a thinking, sighing, aching heart,

Indulges secretly the hopeless wish

For Life, and Peace.... Alas! it cannot be:

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