HYMN OF THE MORAVIAN NUNS OF BETHLEHEM, AT THE CONSECRATION OF PULASKI'S BANNER. WHEN the dying flame of day The crimson banner, that with prayer And the nuns' sweet hymn was heard the while, Sung low, in the dim, mysterious aisle. "Take thy banner! May it wave "Take thy banner! and, beneath The battle-cloud's encircling wreath, "Take thy banner! But when night Spare him! he our love hath shared! "Take thy banner! and if e'er Thou shouldst press the soldier's bier, Martial cloak and shroud for thee." The warrior took that banner proud, And it was his martial cloak and shroud! HENRY WADSWORTH Longfellow. INCIDENT OF THE FRENCH CAMP. I. You know, we French stormed Ratisbon; A mile or so away, On a little mound, Napoleon Stood on our storming-day; With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, Legs wide, arms locked behind, As if to balance the prone brow Oppressive with its mind. II. Just as perhaps he mused, "My plans, Out-'twixt the battery-smokes there flew Until he reached the mound. III. Then off there flung in smiling joy, By just his horse's mane, a boy: You hardly could suspect · (So tight he kept his lips compressed You looked twice ere you saw his breast IV. "Well," cried he, "Emperor, by God's grace We've got you Ratisbon! The marshal's in the market-place, And you 'll be there anon To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart's desire, Perched him!" The chief's eye flashed; his plans Soared up again like fire. V. The chief's eye flashed; but presently Softened itself, as sheathes A film the mother-eagle's eye When her bruised eaglet breathes: "You 're wounded!" "Nay," the soldier's pride Touched to the quick, he said: "I'm killed, Sire!" And his chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead. 1 October 28, 1854, the battle of Balaklava, in the Crimea, was fought between the Russian and the allied French and English forces. By a misconception of Lord Raglan's order the light cavalry, six hundred and seventy strong, under Lord Cardigan charged the main body of the Russian army of twelve thousand They inflicted great loss upon the enemy, but only one hundrec and ninety-eight men returned from the charge. |