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
The Lost Battle
By Rose Hawthorne Lathrop (Mother Alphonsa) (18511926)[From Along the Shore. 1888.]
T
That he laughed a laugh of scorn—
The man in the soldier’s doublet,
With the sword so bravely worn.
To find his comrades fled,
While the battle-field was guarded
By the heroes who lay dead.
And called with a long halloo:
“Dead men, there is one living
Shall stay it out with you!”
This lonely soul in war,
And called the foe to onset,
With shouts they heard afar.
The banner floated wide;
It sank; he sank beside it
Upon his sword, and died.