[for Southern Historical Society Papers.]
The bugle call.
By Mrs. Sally Neil Roach.
Commemorative of the Reunion of the “Orphan brigade” at Blue Lick Springs, Kentucky, July----, 1882.I.
Through the woodland loud 'tis heard,Float the echoes soft and low,
Rising now like song of bird,
Rippling like the streamlet's flow.
Heroes hear the well known call--
Bright eyes flash with martial flame,
Forms erect, in line they fall,
Gathering whence the summons came.
II.
No battle-flag is waved in air,Is spoken nought of stern command--
No sword to lead them flashes bare,
No weapon gleams from steady hand.
Kentucky's sons — brave men who bore
Unsullied name through scathing fire,
Till, bullet-riddled, stained with gore,
Their deeds through years will songs inspire.
III.
They gather now — the war task done--To hallow memories of those years,
To tell of battles fought and won,
To tell of hardships, aye, and tears.
They gather now — behind them floats
The bivouac life like shadows dim,
And memory scans the years and notes,
Here battle charge, there, funeral hymn.
IV.
Hark! the roll-call! Rank by rank,As in that well remembered time.
Mid few responses, many a blank
Is left where answered echo's chime.
And eyes are dimmed as honored name
Of comrade loved is spoken low.
Ah! dearer than the wreath of fame,
The requiem hearts of friends bestow.
