It was in this war that Florence Nightingale rendered such noble service as hospital nurse. She arrived at Balaklava ten days after this charge. Notes and Questions. On your map find Balaklava on the Black Sea. What nation attacked the Russians? What was the significance of Sevastopol? What is a brigade? A light brigade? What is meant by "charging an army"? Who had "blundered"? What lines tell you that obedience is the first duty of the soldier? What line tells you how vain and hopeless was this charge? How does the poem impress you? Words and Phrases for Discussion. "Valley of Death" "half a league" "the mouth of Hell" "the jaws of Death" "dismay'd" "volley'd and thunder'd" * * * * * THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN WILLIAM COWPER John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A trainband captain eke was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, "Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen. "Tomorrow is our wedding day, And we will then repair Unto the Bell at Edmonton, All in a chaise and pair "My sister, and my sister's child, Myself, and children three, Will fill the chaise, so you must ride On horseback after we." He soon replied, "I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore, it shall be done. "I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend, the calender, Will lend his horse to go." Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said: And for that wine is dear, We will be furnished with our own, Which is both bright and clear." John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allowed To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stayed, Where they did all get in; Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, 'round went the wheels, Were never folks so glad; The stones did rattle underneath As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side Seized fast the flowing mane, And up he got, in haste to ride, But soon came down again; For saddle-tree scarce reached had he, His journey to begin, When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. So down he came; for loss of time, Although it grieved him sore, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, Would trouble him much more. 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came down stairs,-- "The wine is left behind!" "Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me, My leathern belt likewise, In which I bear my trusty sword When I do exercise."