THE SOLDIER'S TEAR.
I
Upon the hill he turned,
To take a last fond look
Of the valley, and the village church,
And the cottage by the brook.
He listen'd to the sounds
So familiar to his ear,
And the soldier leant upon his sword,
And wiped away a tear.
II
Beside that cottage porch,
A girl was on her knees;
She held aloft a snowy scarf,
Which fluttered in the breeze.
She breath'd a prayer for him,
A prayer he could not hear,
But he paused to bless her as she knelt,
And wiped away a tear.
III
He turn'd, and left the spot,
Oh! do not deem him weak,
For dauntless was the soldier's heart,
Tho' tears were on his cheek.
Go watch the foremost ranks,
In danger's dark career.
Be sure the hand most daring there
Has wiped away a tear.
