Classic Poem

Upon a showery night and still,
—Without a sound of warning,
A trooper band surprised the hill,
—And held it in the morning.

We were not waked by bugle-notes,
—No cheer our dreams invaded,
And yet, at dawn, their yellow coats
—On the green slopes paraded.

We careless folk the deed forgot;
—Till one day, idly walking,
We marked upon the self-same spot
—A crowd of veterans talking.

They shook their trembling heads and gray
—With pride and noiseless laughter;
When, well-a-day! they blew away,
—And ne'er were heard of after!