Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Charles Dawson Shanly 18111875
Charles Dawson Shanly112 The Fancy Shot
“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 fell 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, ’t was 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!”