SOLDIERS
SO many, many soldiers At reveille fared forth; Such ready, willing soldiers, From sunny South and North.
So many gallant soldiers At noon to face the fight; So many weary wounded Home-dreaming in the night.
So many quick to answer To drum and bugle sound; So many war-scarred sleepers On death"s white-tented ground.
O soldiers, silent soldiers, Calm-sleeping in the sun, Beneath one happy flag again, G.o.d rest you, every one.
Of every human difference Great Time, the high priest, shrives; While Southern winds are telling The fragrance of brave lives.
Beneath the Southern willows, In slumber folded deep, O soldiers, brothers, every one, G.o.d"s peace attend your sleep.
WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE.
Our battle-fields, safe in the keeping, Of Nature"s kind, fostering care, Are blooming,--our heroes are sleeping,-- And peace broods perennial there.
All over our land rings the story Of loyalty, fervent and true; "One flag, and that flag is Old Glory,"
Alike for the Gray and the Blue.
JOHN HOWARD JEWETT.