Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MOLLY PITCHER [JUNE 28, 1778], by LAURA ELIZABETH HOWE RICHARDS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MOLLY PITCHER [JUNE 28, 1778], by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All day the great guns barked and roared
Last Line: To hold the name of molly pitcher.
Alternate Author Name(s): Richards, Laura E.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Monmouth, Battle Of (1778); Pitcher, Molly (1754-1832); Mcguire, Molly; Mccauley, Mary Ludwig Hays


ALL day the great guns barked and roared;
All day the big balls screeched and soared;
All day, 'mid the sweating gunners grim,
Who toiled in their smoke-shroud dense and dim,
Sweet Molly labored with courage high,
With steady hand and watchful eye,
Till the day was ours, and the sinking sun
Looked down on the field of Monmouth won,
And Molly standing beside her gun.

Now, Molly, rest your weary arm!
Safe, Molly, all is safe from harm.
Now, woman, bow your aching head,
And weep in sorrow o'er your dead!

Next day on that field so hardly won,
Stately and calm stands Washington,
And looks where our gallant Greene doth lead
A figure clad in motley weed --
A soldier's cap and a soldier's coat
Masking a woman's petticoat.
He greets our Molly in kindly wise;
He bids her raise her tearful eyes;
And now he hails her before them all
Comrade and soldier, whate'er befall,
"And since she has played a man's full part,
A man's reward for her loyal heart!
And Sergeant Molly Pitcher's name
Be writ henceforth on the shield of fame!"

Oh, Molly, with your eyes so blue!
Oh, Molly, Molly, here's to you!
Sweet honor's roll will aye be richer
To hold the name of Molly Pitcher.





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