Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LIGHT-HORSE HARRY AT PAULUS HOOK, by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT First Line: O harry lee it was who did Last Line: God speed that victory! Subject(s): Lee, Henry (light-horse Harry) | ||||||||
O Harry Lee it was who did A daring deed one day And Congress had a medal struck To tell his fame for aye. Now would you hear about that deed, Attend my humble song, And I will tell as best I may That tale; 'twill not be long. For well we may at this far day Recall each worthy deed Wrought by the men who battled then To meet their country's need. At Paulus Hook there was of old A military post Where Jersey City now is seen And the British made their boast That none could take that citadel With ramparts strong begirt; So strong it was, the garrison Grew careless to their hurt. For Captain Lee one summer's day Led forth a chosen band Three hundred strong, and Stirling sent A part of his command. From Bergen marched this troop by night Unto the Hackensack, Full fourteen miles below the Hook, And here Lee took the track Among the hills and reached ere morn The point that was his aim; Through the loose-barred gate he entered straight And won his way to fame. The sentinels were sound asleep, But when they opened their eyes They saw a strange, undreamed-of sight, -- Complete was their surprise. One hundred and fifty-nine that day Were taken prisoner, Surprised in bed and captive led Ere they to arms could stir. And on the medal that was struck To applaud this gallant deed All in the Latin tongue 'tis writ, Which he who can may read: -- "Unhindered by opposing floods And bristling rampires strong, On marched to victory and to fame The hero of my song. Small was his band of followers brave, The greater glory theirs; And honor greater still than fame He wins from those he spares." Such is the legend written there In praise of Harry Lee, The leader of that little band Of dauntless cavalry. For when the foe were in his power And none could lift a hand, He spared their lives; no needless blood Was shed at his command. O that we yet may see the day When such humanity Shall win its way in every land -- God speed that victory! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GENERAL MERCER AT PRINCETON by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT IN A WHEAT FIELD by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT PARSON CALDWELL OF SPRINGFIELD by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT THE WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS by CHARLES DAVIS PLATT LA NOCHE TRISTE by ROBERT FROST ODE TO SILENCE by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY LOVE LIES BLEEDING by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI HYMN OF PAN by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY THE MERRIMAC by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE BIRD-BOY by ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ULTIMATION by MAGDELEN EDEN BOYLE MAXIMS FOR THE OLD HOUSE: THE KEEPING-ROOM by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH |
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