Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GENERAL MERCER AT PRINCETON, by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GENERAL MERCER AT PRINCETON, by                    
First Line: Here mercer fell, with bayonet-pierced breast
Last Line: And kindle in men's hearts the heroic flame.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Generals; Princeton, Battle Of (1777)


Here Mercer fell, with bayonet-pierced breast,
Facing his country's foes upon the field,
Scorning to cry for quarter or to yield,
Though single-handed left and sore oppressed.

He, at his chosen country's high behest,
Was set to be a leader and to shield
Her threatened life -- with his heart's blood he sealed
That trust, nor faltered till he sank to rest.

Mourn not for him; say not untimely death
Snatched him from fame ere we could know his worth
And hid the luster of a glorious name;
Such souls go forth, when fails their vital breath,
To shine as beacons through the mists of earth
And kindle in men's hearts the heroic flame.





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