a symmetrical act Henry is trying to justify his running from battle as being no worse than the army's retreat from battle.
heart of the din the front line.
the indefinite cause the unknown force which caused Henry to run.
a cowled man a hooded man.
mothlike quality the force which kept Henry near the battle (the moth is attracted to the flame).
that mighty blue machine the Union Army.
a slang phrase Henry's name, like a slang phrase, would be used derisively. He has become an object of contempt.
