THOMAS CAMPBELL.
THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE.
"The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1809-92) unlike "Casabianca" shows
obedience under stern necessity. Obedience is the salvation of any
army. John Burroughs says: "I never hear that poem but what it thrills
me through and through."
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!" he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why.
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
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