28.05.2007, 17:14
Colonel Frederick Taylor
(Gettysburg, July 3, 1863)
Many the ways that lead to death, but few
Grandly, and one alone is glory’s gate, -
Standing wherever free men dare their fate,
Determined, as thou wert, to die – or do!
This thou hast passed, young soldier, storming through
The fiery darkness round it, - not too late
To know the invaders beaten from thy State, -
Ah, why too soon to rout them, and pursue?
But some must fall as thou hast fallen; some
Remain to fight, and fall another day;
And some go down in peace to their long rest.
If’t were not now, it would be still to come;
And whether now, or when thy hairs were gray,
Were fittest for thee – God alone knows best.
(Gettysburg, July 3, 1863)
Many the ways that lead to death, but few
Grandly, and one alone is glory’s gate, -
Standing wherever free men dare their fate,
Determined, as thou wert, to die – or do!
This thou hast passed, young soldier, storming through
The fiery darkness round it, - not too late
To know the invaders beaten from thy State, -
Ah, why too soon to rout them, and pursue?
But some must fall as thou hast fallen; some
Remain to fight, and fall another day;
And some go down in peace to their long rest.
If’t were not now, it would be still to come;
And whether now, or when thy hairs were gray,
Were fittest for thee – God alone knows best.