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As Toilsome I Wander'd Virginia's Woods.

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.

AS TOILSOME I WANDER'D VIRGINIA'S WOODS.

1AS TOILSOME I wander'd Virginia's woods, To the music of rustling leaves, kick'd by my feet, (for  
 'twas autumn,)
I mark'd at the foot of a tree the grave of a soldier, Mortally wounded he, and buried on the retreat, (easily  
 all could I understand;
The halt of a mid-day hour, when up! no time to lose  
 —yet this sign left,
On a tablet scrawl'd and nail'd on the tree by the grave, Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade.
2Long, long I muse, then on my way go wandering; Many a changeful season to follow, and many a scene  
 of life;
Yet at times through changeful season and scene, ab- 
 rupt, alone, or in the crowded street,
Comes before me the unknown soldier's grave—comes  
 the inscription rude in Virginia's woods,
Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade.

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.

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