One Day's Command

The plumed staff offlcer gikpe Along the swajing ÜD Hult shakes as, beaten by haJtetoom, Shakes tb loaded autumn rine; And the earth beneath te reddeoed, But not wiUi tbe stain ot wine The regular shock of a battery The rauling tumult stuna. And its steady thrill througb the billsida Luce a pulse beoeath it ruos; The many are dead around it, But the few still orle the giins. "Who commands this batteryf" ADd Crosby, his clear, younjt eye From the sliding gun sighu lifting As the well aimed death bolt fiiea, I commaod it today, sir!" WiLh a steady voice replies. Answer as héroes answer, With modest words and few, ■Whoae hearts and hands to duty Even in death are true, Though its awful light is breakisg Puil on the blenchless view. The offlcer passes onward With a less troubled eye. The words and the look unshaken Bids every wild doubt fly; He knows that younp commander Is there to do or die. To do and die; for the bat t Ie And day of command are done, White stands unmoved on the hillsida Eai'h shattered, blackened gun. And Crosby in death beside them A deathless name has won.