Page:Poems Terry, 1861.djvu/209

Go, like the east-wind's howling!
 Ride with death behind.
Stay not for food or slumber,
 Till the thieving wolves ye find!
They came before the wedding,
 Swifter than prayer or priest;
The bridemen danced to bullets,
 The wild dogs ate the feast.

Look to rifle and powder!
 Fasten the knife-belt sure;
Loose the coil of the lasso,
 Make the loop secure;
Fold the flask in the poncho,
 Fill the pouch with maize,
And ride as if to-morrow
 Were the last of living days!

Saddle, saddle, saddle!
 Redden spur and thong;
Ride like the mad tornado,
 The track is lonely and long.
Spare not horse nor rider;
 Fly for the stolen bride;
Bring her home on the crupper,
 A scalp on either side!