Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
Popular Songs and Ballads of the Civil War: Northern I: The Fancy Shot
By Charles Dawson Shanly (18111875)R
Straight at the heart of yon prowling vidette;
Ring me a ball in the glittering spot
That shines on his breast like an amulet!”
There’s music around when my barrel’s in tune!”
Crack! went the rifle, the messenger sped,
And dead from his horse full the ringing dragoon.
From your victim some trinket to hansel first blood—
A button, a loop, or that luminous patch
That gleams in the moon like a diamond stud.”
When I gazed on the face of that fallen vidette;
For he looked so like you as he lay on his back
That my heart rose upon me, and masters me yet.
An inch from the centre my lead broke its way,
Scarce grazing the picture, so fair to behold,
Of a beautiful lady in bridal array.”
My brother’s young bride, and the fallen dragoon
Was her husband—Hush! soldier, ’twas Heaven’s decree;
We must bury him here, by the light of the moon!
War is a virtue—weakness a sin;
There’s lurking and loping around us to-night;
Load again, Rifleman, keep your hand in!”