File:Ballads of the bivouac and the border (1896) (14797318913).jpg

Identifier: balladsofbivouac00welt (find matches)
Title: Ballads of the bivouac and the border
Year: 1896 (1890s)
Authors: Welty, Edwin Arthur, b. 1853 West, William W
Subjects:
Publisher: Buffalo, The Peter Paul book company
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress

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with verdure and with light Missouris fertile plain,Guard well my sweetheart far away on the Pacific slope,Keep light the heart that beats for me, bright tinge each thought and hope,Speed well the train that thunders fast oer gulch and moun-tain gray,Give her safe back to arms that love—these are the gifts Ipray. WITH WASHINGTON ON THE DELAWARE.December 25 and 26, 1776. fTTHVAS a cold night in December, 1 The sky was bleak and bare,The swiftly falling snow-flakes Were whirling through the air. Within, a glowing wood-fire Blazed forth its ruddy light,As if to hurl defiance At the cold and chilly night. The room was warm and cosy, It was filled with Christmas cheer,There were pies, and cakes and cider, And huge mugs of home-made beer. The elders sat and chatted Of the doings of the week,While the children in the corners Were playing hide and seek. Where the fire-light was brightest, On a wide, well-cushioned chair,Carved in quaint and curious fashion, An aged man was resting there.76
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Ph WITH WASHIXGTOX ON THE DELAWARE. 79 He was a stout old soldier, Of the grim Provincial line,Who had fought the French at Quebec, And his King at Brandywine. His breast was seamed and sunken Where a bayonet, glancing, broke,And a scar was on his forehead From a Hessians sabre stroke. The fire blazed and crackled, The childrens games were done,Their elders in their arm-chairs Were dozing one by one. A cold draught from the entry Blew upon the old mans hair,Lifting it from off his forehead Till the sabre gash shone bare. The children round him gathered, They wished to hear him tellOf the battle fields and marches Where he bore himself so well. The old man looked upon them, As they nearer to him drew,And upon their upturned faces An eager look there grew. 80 WITH WASHINGTON ON THE DELAWARE. And so youd like old Father GreenTo tell of Eutaws day,Of Germantown and MonmouthWith the Brunswickers at bay. My share in all those battles With the hirelings of the Crown,Youve heard me tell you o

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