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...DESPAIR by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO OUR MOCKING-BIRD; DIED OF A CAT, MAY, 1878 by SIDNEY LANIER DOMESDAY BOOK: DR. TRACE TO THE CORONER by EDGAR LEE MASTERS TO DISRAELI ON CONSERVATISM by MARIANNE MOORE CONRAD AT TWILIGHT by JOHN CROWE RANSOM |