By the Roadside

(1854)

To get betimes in Boston town I rose this morning early, Here’s a good place at the corner, I must stand and see the show.

Clear the way there Jonathan! Way for the President’s marshal⁠—way for the government cannon! Way for the Federal foot and dragoons, (and the apparitions copiously tumbling.)

I love to look on the Stars and Stripes, I hope the fifes will play Yankee Doodle.

How bright shine the cutlasses of the foremost troops! Every man holds his revolver, marching stiff through Boston town.

A fog follows, antiques of the same come limping, Some appear wooden-legged, and some appear bandaged and bloodless.

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