Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LIGHT-HORSE HARRY AT PAULUS HOOK, by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LIGHT-HORSE HARRY AT PAULUS HOOK, by                    
First Line: O harry lee it was who did
Last Line: God speed that victory!
Subject(s): Lee, Henry (light-horse Harry)


O Harry Lee it was who did
A daring deed one day
And Congress had a medal struck
To tell his fame for aye.

Now would you hear about that deed,
Attend my humble song,
And I will tell as best I may
That tale; 'twill not be long.

For well we may at this far day
Recall each worthy deed
Wrought by the men who battled then
To meet their country's need.

At Paulus Hook there was of old
A military post
Where Jersey City now is seen
And the British made their boast

That none could take that citadel
With ramparts strong begirt;
So strong it was, the garrison
Grew careless to their hurt.

For Captain Lee one summer's day
Led forth a chosen band
Three hundred strong, and Stirling sent
A part of his command.

From Bergen marched this troop by night
Unto the Hackensack,
Full fourteen miles below the Hook,
And here Lee took the track

Among the hills and reached ere morn
The point that was his aim;
Through the loose-barred gate he entered straight
And won his way to fame.

The sentinels were sound asleep,
But when they opened their eyes
They saw a strange, undreamed-of sight, --
Complete was their surprise.

One hundred and fifty-nine that day
Were taken prisoner,
Surprised in bed and captive led
Ere they to arms could stir.

And on the medal that was struck
To applaud this gallant deed
All in the Latin tongue 'tis writ,
Which he who can may read: --

"Unhindered by opposing floods
And bristling rampires strong,
On marched to victory and to fame
The hero of my song.

Small was his band of followers brave,
The greater glory theirs;
And honor greater still than fame
He wins from those he spares."

Such is the legend written there
In praise of Harry Lee,
The leader of that little band
Of dauntless cavalry.

For when the foe were in his power
And none could lift a hand,
He spared their lives; no needless blood
Was shed at his command.

O that we yet may see the day
When such humanity
Shall win its way in every land --
God speed that victory!





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