THE TWOFOLD VICTORY—AN ALMA LYRIC.

By the famous Alma River
     Knelt a Warrior, brave and young,
Through his veins ran Death’s cold shiver,
     On his lips his last breath hung;
Far above him rolled the battle,

     Downward rolled to Alma’s wave,
Downward, through the crash and rattle,
     Came the cheering of the brave. [Page 201]

“Comrades,” said he, rising slowly,
     Kneeling on one bended knee,

“Comrades,” said he, feebly, lowly,
     “Is that cheer for Victory?”
“Yes!—they fly!—the foe is flying!”
     “Comrades,” said he, ardently,
“Cheer for me, for I am dying,

     Cheer them on to Victory!”

By that blood-encrimsoned River
     Cheered they with a martial pride,
Death’s last shaft had left its quiver,
     And the Warrior, smiling, died.

Faintly his last cheer was given,
     Feebly his last breath went free,
And his spirit passed to Heaven
     On the wings of Victory! [Page 202]