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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.

AS 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.
Long, long I muse, then on my way go wandering, Many a changeful season to follow, and many a scene of life,   [ begin page 241 ]ppp.00707.249.jpg Yet at times through changeful season and scene, abrupt, alone, 
 or in the crowded street,
Comes before me the unknown soldier's grave, comes the inscrip- 
 tion rude in Virginia's woods,
Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade.

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.

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