by Whitman · Cluster: Heroism · Hero · Last Stand
Abstract
A vignette of a hemmed-in general calling for volunteers who step forth cheerfully to risk their lives; heroism and self-sacrifice in war.
Connections
Topoi: Last Stand Archetypes: Hero Motifs: Stars Themes & Concepts: Heroism, War and its Cost, Honour
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: DRUM-TAPS
I saw old General at bay, (Old as he was, his gray eyes yet shone out in battle like stars,) His small force was now completely hemm’d in, in his works, He call’d for volunteers to run the enemy’s lines, a desperate emergency, I saw a hundred and more step forth from the ranks, but two or three were selected, I saw them receive their orders aside, they listen’d with care, the adjutant was very grave, I saw them depart with cheerfulness, freely risking their lives.