JOHN BURNS AGAIN. 



387 



On their Northward road. In another day 

 Came Buford and Reynolds the selfsame way, 

 With their Yankee troops, with marching worn, 

 But their shot-riven flags were proudly borne, 

 As 'mid clangor and shouts they galloped down 

 The sloping streets of Gettysburg town. 



And where was Burns that fateful day, 



When our boys were gathering for the fray ? 



The man who had said he was ready to fight 



As soon as the rebels came in sight ? 



Down in his shoe shop mending shoes, 



Pegging away, but full of the Blues 



As the town that morn, for he wanted to fight, 



But he'd promised some work that was not done quite ; 



For I'd liave you know the doubtingest Thomas 



Ne'er said John Burns went back on a promise ! 



On the floor was his work in a tidy row. 



From coarsest brogan to baby's shoe, 



AUigned as if on dress parade ; 



And on his shoe bench lately made, 



A present from old John Burns 'tis said. 



Were the wedding slippers of Jennie Wade. 



Poor girl ! in another day to fall, 



Shot dead by a rebel rifle ball. 



While, laying aside all girlish fears. 



She was baking bread for our cannoniers ! 



He hears a cannon ; he quickly turns 



His face to the north, does old John Burns, 



And he sees a sight from his house of frame 



That sets his tingling blood aflame ; 



For foemen are gathering to bring renown 



And tears and sorrow to Gettysburg town. 



In vain for him is that signal gun, 



For the promised shoes are not yet done. 



