Blanket Shield by James McIntyre — Read

When blanket round us we do fold, / It doth keep out the wind and cold;

And when house is near to great fire, / Wet blankets save from ruin dire.

A General in Mexico / Advanced against Indian foe, / But Indians did hold the field, / Protected by wet blanket shield.

While Mexicans by hundreds fall, / Each pierced by an Indian ball;

Wet blanket it must hang quite loose, / Or for protection 'tis no use.

Thus Indians rushed o'er the field, / And caused the Mexicans to yield;

The savages they were more wise / Than Christian foe did them despise.

As a shield we high must rank it, / So light you cannot outflank it;

The bullets glance off from the blanket, / For its uses we must thank it.