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 'twasautumn,) 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 ]
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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.