At times a fragrant breeze comes floating by,
And brings, you know not why,
A feeling as when eager crowds await
Before a palace gate
Some wondrous pageant; and you scarce would start
If, from a beech's heart,
A blue-eyed Dryad, stepping forth, should say,
"Behold me! I am May!"
MARION'S MEN.
BY WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS.
The partisan had managed admirably, but he was now compelled to
fly. The advantage of the ground was no longer with him.
Tarleton, with his entire force, had now passed through the
avenue, and had appeared in the open court in front. The
necessity of rapid flight became apparent to Singleton, and the
wild, lively notes of his trumpet were accordingly heard stirring
the air at not more than rifle distance from the gathering troop
of Tarleton. Bitterly aroused by this seeming audacity,--an
audacity to which Tarleton, waging a war hitherto of continual
successes, had never been accustomed,--his ire grew into fury.
"What, men! shall these rebels carry it so?" he cried
aloud.--"Advance, Captain Barsfield! Advance to the right of the
fence with twenty men, and stop not to mark your steps.
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