 | Under Arms |  |
10
THE NIGHT-WATCH.
Now after battle-peril, the long day
And march, the soldier sleeps: and of the dear
Home-land dreams he. For season is of rest,
Even in this warfare. Some go forth to watch
In arms their turn, for safety of the camp.
And march, the soldier sleeps: and of the dear
Home-land dreams he. For season is of rest,
Even in this warfare. Some go forth to watch
In arms their turn, for safety of the camp.
Dim wheels the lofty night o'er his lone post,
Cold now, now sultry, and like a starry frost,
The sentinel thinks of God, his life, swift death;
He comrades numbers fallen in his sight:
Beholds in stars the cross writ in these heavens.
And deems the Lord of yond great glittering house,
Will not impute the soldier's sins forepast,
Who daily adventures life, for country's sake,
In field, and when he looks not, receives death.
Cold now, now sultry, and like a starry frost,
The sentinel thinks of God, his life, swift death;
He comrades numbers fallen in his sight:
Beholds in stars the cross writ in these heavens.
And deems the Lord of yond great glittering house,
Will not impute the soldier's sins forepast,
Who daily adventures life, for country's sake,
In field, and when he looks not, receives death.
11
Weary, his weapon ready in his hand,
Erect, he listens each uncertain sound,
Far from his comrades, that in their dark camp
Now slumber.—Heard he then a distant shot!
Attent stands he, to challenge aught strange voice,
He nothing yields to body's weariness.
He at his hour will be relieved, to-night.
Under these stars then will he also sleep,
Where now upclimbs the moon's broad steadfast face;
Erect, he listens each uncertain sound,
Far from his comrades, that in their dark camp
Now slumber.—Heard he then a distant shot!
Attent stands he, to challenge aught strange voice,
He nothing yields to body's weariness.
He at his hour will be relieved, to-night.
Under these stars then will he also sleep,
Where now upclimbs the moon's broad steadfast face;
And this hour haply at home whom he loves best,
Look on the night and muse in distant Britain,
How we in Afric's warfare lead our lives.
Look on the night and muse in distant Britain,
How we in Afric's warfare lead our lives.
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