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178. “good-bye, boys — I'm going!”
the dying words of a volunteer.

by Mary A. Denison.
The battle raged with fiercest heat;
     The guns unloosed their thunder;
Shame on the cowardly retreat!
     Shame for the cruel blunder!
Along the ground the hissing ball
     Ploughed deep — black furrows throwing,
When faintly came the dying call
     Of “Good-bye, boys — I'm going!”

Brave volunteer! Upon his brow
     Death's chilly dews were creeping;
The lagging blood ran slower now,
     And many a man was weeping;
Yet, as they knelt, 'mid bullet-rain,
     Their eyes with vengeance glowing,
Came up the sobbing cry again,
     Of “Good-bye, boys — I'm going!”

Great soul! No wish, no coward word,
     No vain regret was spoken;
And they who loved him, silent heard--
     Their very hearts were broken.
Oh, let it be their warrior-cry,
     The vilest traitor showing
How calmly brave our men can die,
     With “Good-bye, boys — I'm going!”

--Boston Transcript, June 21.

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