Never or now! roars the hoarse-throated cannon Through the black canopy blotting the skies; Never or now! flaps the shell-blasted pennon O’er the deep ooze where the _Cumberland_ lies! From the foul dens where our brothers are dying, Aliens and foes in the land of their birth,-- From the rank swamps where our martyrs are lying, Pleading in vain for a handful of earth,-- From the hot plains where they perish outnumbered, Furrowed and ridged by the battle-field’s plough, Comes the loud summons; too long you have slumbered, Hear the last Angel-trump--Never or Now! 1862. [Illustration] [Illustration] BOY BRITTAN. (Battle of Fort Henry, Tenn., Feb. 6, 1862.) BY FORCEYTHE WILLSON. I. Boy Brittan--only a lad--a fair-haired boy--sixteen, In his uniform, Into the storm--into the roaring jaws of grim Fort Henry-- Boldly bears the Federal flotilla-- Into the battle storm! II. Boy Brittan is master’s mate aboard of the _Essex_-- There he stands, buoyant and eager-eyed, By the brave captain’s side; Ready to do and dare. Aye, aye, sir! always ready-- In his country’s uniform. Boom! Boom! and now the flag-boat sweeps, and now the _Essex_, Into the battle storm! III. Boom! Boom! till river and fort and field are over-clouded By battle’s breath; then from the fort a gleam And a crashing gun, and the _Essex_ is wrapt and shrouded In a scalding cloud of steam? IV. But victory! victory! Unto God all praise be ever rendered, Unto God all praise and glory be! See, Boy Brittan! see, boy, see! They strike! Hurrah! the fort has just surrendered! Shout! Shout! my boy, my warrior boy! And wave your cap and clap your hands for joy! Cheer answer cheer and bear the cheer about-- Hurrah! Hurrah! for the fiery fort is ours; And “Victory!” “Victory!” “Victory!” Is the shout. Shout--for the fiery fort, and the field, and the day are ours-- The day is ours--thanks to the brave endeavor Of heroes, boy, like thee! The day is ours--the day is ours! Glory and deathless love to all who shared with thee, And bravely endured and dared with thee-- The day is ours--the day is ours-- Forever! Glory and Love for one and all; but--but--for thee-- Home! Home! a happy “Welcome--welcome home” for thee! And kisses of love for thee-- And a mother’s happy, happy tears, and a virgin’s bridal wreath of flowers-- For thee!