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.