216
SONGS FROM THE SOUTHERN SEAS.
We were riding in his escort, close behind him, on a height
Which the fatal field commanded; thence we viewed the growing flight.
"But, my lad, I now must tell you something more about that hill,
And I'll try to make you see the spot as I can see it still.
Right before us, o'er the battle-field, the fall was sheer and steep;
On our left the ground fell sloping, in a pleasant, grassy sweep,
Where the aides went dashing swiftly, bearing orders to and fro.
For by that sloping side alone they reached the plain below.
On our right—now pay attention, boy—a yawning fissure lay,
As if an earthquake's shock had split the mountain's side away.
And in the dismal gulf, far down, we heard the angry roar
