"Our Left at Manassas."
Reading edition
From dawn to dark they stood, That long midsummer's day! While fierce and fast The battle-blast Swept rank on rank away!
From dawn to dark, they fought With legions swept and cleft, While black and wide, The battle-tide Poured ever on our "Left!"
They closed each ghastly gap! They dressed each shattered rank They knew, how well! That Freedom fell With that exhausted flank!
"Oh! for a thousand men, Like these that melt away!" And down they came, With steel and flame, Four thousand to the fray!
They left the laggard train; The panting steam might stay; And down they came, With steel and flame, Head-foremost to the fray!
Right through the blackest cloud Their lightning-path they cleft! Freedom and Fame With triumph came To our immortal Left.
Ye! of your living, sure! Ye! of your dead, bereft! Honor the brave Who died to save Your all, upon our Left.