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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A GOODBYE by EDNAH PROCTOR CLARKE HAYES

First Line: THE WAKENING BUGLES CUT THE NIGHT
Last Line: THY KNIGHT, AND GOD'S, -- I GO!

THE wakening bugles cut the night:
"To horse! To horse! Away!"
And thine the lips that bid me go,
The eyes that bid me stay.

God make me blind for this one hour!
God make me only hear
That hurrying drum, -- that cry, "They come!"
And thy "Good-by!" so near.

O eyes that hold me with your tears!
Think not your prayers I spurn:
Eyes that must for a soldier dim,
Not from a craven turn.

O lips that bid me forth to fight,
I take your challenge -- so!
Where red death waits without the gates,
Thy knight, and God's, -- I go!



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