University of Virginia Library


8

THE HEART OF A SOLDIER.

The heart of a soldier
Surrenders to thee;
The Champion of Freedom
No longer is free:
He decks with his laurels
Thy sylvan retreat,
And the spoils of the conquer'd,
He lays at thy feet.
But say, were I summon'd
Again to the field,
Would'st thou bring my helmet,
My sword and my shield?
And scorning the softness
Of tearful delay,
Would'st thou urge me forward,
To horse, and away?

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Yes! such is the duty,
And such is the pride,
Of her whom a Soldier
Hath chosen his bride:
She shares and she sweetens
His peaceful repose,
And she smiles when to battle
And glory he goes.