Even amidst a Union artillery barrage, the band keeps playing. Though it seems surreal to the reader to imagine strands of music in between shells exploding, it must have provided comfort to the men huddling on the ground. The other music that recurs in this chapter and that is charged with deep emotion is the song "Kathleen Mavourneen."
Armistead reviews his life and reflects on how he could have been more emotional, though he notes he felt emotions deeply, if just for a moment, when his wife died. He has sent his personal Bible to Mira Hancock in a package to be opened if he dies. And he gives his ring to Pickett to send to Pickett's girlfriend. Armistead remembers his vow and takes it seriously. He knows the time has come for God to determine the outcome of that vow. He is wishing it could be different, wishing it could be changed, and he is not eager to die, just like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. But Armistead will accept either outcome.
Pickett is a sentimental man of grandiose emotions. He is grateful for Armistead's ring. He is emotional over the coming battle to the point that he cannot even find words to express it.
The theme of honor is seen in Garnett's actions now. Garnett is a man at peace because he is arranging his answer to Jackson's accusation of cowardice, and he welcomes this. He will ride into battle, a perfect target, and in death, his name will be cleared. Armistead tries desperately to get Longstreet or Pickett to order Garnett to stay behind, but Armistead knows they will not.
