THE LOST STANDARD.
Reading edition
BY LILLIE E. BARR.
On the glorious field of Austerlitz Napoleon stood when the day was o'er; "Legions of France!" he cried, "pass by, Bearing your eagles, stained with gore, And torn with shot; but show to France That none are lost. Advance! advance!" Then with a shout the legions rose— Napoleon watched them marching by; Each flung its banner to the breeze, And proudly sought their Emperor's eye. Above the surging thousands toss'd The precious eagles—not one lost. Not one? Without its fife and drum A silent legion sadly tread; The weary men were dull and dumb— There was no flag above their head: The eagle that Napoleon gave Floated no longer o'er the brave. Then, white with anger, "Halt!" he cried, And sternly called the legion's name. "Your eagle, men!—the flag I gave? Why die you not for very shame? Life hath been bought at shameful cost, If honor and your flag are lost." With martial tread two veterans step From out the sad and silent band: "Sire, we have fought where'er you led, In Italy, or Egypt's land. Amid the thickest of the fray, Our eagle touched the earth to-day. "And we, unable to retake, Pressed where the Russian foe came on— Behold, our Emperor! for thy sake Two Russian standards we have won; Yet if our honor thou still doubt, Then let our lives the stain wipe out." The Emperor bared his head; then said, With misty eyes and eager breath: "Heroes! you've won your eagle now— Won it from out the jaws of death. Pass on! these flags shall bear your name Among the standards kept by Fame." Beneath the Invalides' grand dome These Russian standards still find room; 'Mong royal flags of many lands They droop above Napoleon's tomb. Such praise and glory have the brave, Who knew when honor's sign was lost, At any price, at any cost, Honor itself to save.
