Classic and Contemporary Poetry
DIRGE FOR ASHBY, by JOSEPHINE JUNKIN PRESTON First Line: Heard ye that thrilling word Last Line: Ashby is dead! Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; U.s. - History; Dead, The | ||||||||
HEARD ye that thrilling word -- Accent of dread -- Flash like a thunderbolt, Bowing each head, -- Crash through the battle dun, Over the booming gun, -- "Ashby, our bravest one, -- Ashby is dead!" Saw ye the veterans -- Hearts that had known Never a quail of fear, Never a groan, -- Sob 'mid the fight they win, -- Tears their stern eyes within, -- "Ashby, our Paladin, Ashby is gone!" Dash -- dash the tear away, -- Crush down the pain! "Dulce et decus" be Fittest refrain! Why should the dreary pall Round him be flung at all? Did not our hero fall Gallantly slain? Catch the last word of cheer Dropt from his tongue; Over the volley's din, Loud be it rung, -- "Follow me! follow me!" -- Soldier, oh! could there be Paean or dirge for thee Loftier sung! Bold as the Lion-heart, Dauntless and brave; Knightly as knightliest Bayard could crave; Sweet with all Sidney's grace, Tender as Hampden's face; -- Who -- who shall fill the space Void by his grave? 'T is not one broken heart, Wild with dismay; Crazed with her agony, Weeps o'er his clay: Ah! from a thousand eyes Flow the pure tears that rise; Widowed Virginia lies Stricken to-day! Yet though that thrilling word -- Accent of dread -- Falls like a thunderbolt, Bowing each head, -- Heroes! be battle done Bravelier every one, Nerved by the thought alone -- Ashby is dead! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND |
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