I NOT by the ball or brand Sped by a mortal hand, Not by the lightning stroke When fiery tempests broke, -- Not mid the ranks of War Fell the great Conqueror. II Unmoved, undismayed, In the crash and carnage of the cannonade, -- Eye that dimmed not, hand that failed not, Brain that swerved not, heart that quailed not, Steel nerve, iron form, -- The dauntless spirit that o'erruled the storm. III While the Hero peaceful slept A foeman to his chamber crept, Lightly to the slumberer came, Touched his brow and breathed his name: O'er the stricken form there passed Suddenly an icy blast. IV The Hero woke, rose undismayed, Saluted Death, and sheathed his blade. V The Conqueror of a hundred fields To a mightier Conqueror yields; No mortal foeman's blow Laid the great Soldier low: Victor in his latest breath -- Vanquished but by Death. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE ELDER WOMAN'S SONG: 4, FR. KING LEAR'S WIFE by GORDON BOTTOMLEY TO A LADY FOR A NOSEGAY by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD AURORA LEIGH: BOOK 9 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING NAENIAE by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON THE LAME CHILD by AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR THE OLD COW MAN by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. |