Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Ednah Proctor (Clarke)Hayes

1678 A Good-By

THE WAKENING bugles cut the night:

“To horse! To horse! Away!”

And thine the lips that bid me go,

The eyes that bid me stay.

God make me blind for this one hour!

God make me only hear

That hurrying drum,—that cry, “They come!”

And thy “Good-by!” so near.

O eyes that hold me with your tears!

Think not your prayers I spurn:

Eyes that must for a soldier dim,

Not from a craven turn.

O lips that bid me forth to fight,

I take your challenge—so!

Where red death waits without the gates,

Thy knight, and God’s,—I go!