Leaves of Grass

Whitman, Walt, 1819-1892 . Leaves of Grass
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library
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I SAW OLD GENERAL AT BAY.

I saw old General at bay;
(Old as he was, his grey eyes yet shone out in battle
     like stars;)
His small force was now completely hemmed in, in his
     works;
He call'd for volunteers to run the enemy's lines -- a
     desperate emergency;
I saw a hundred and more step forth from the ranks --
     but two or three were selected;
I saw them receive their orders aside -- they listen'd
     with care -- the adjutant was very grave;
I saw them depart with cheerfulness, freely risking their
     lives.