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.