SOLDIERS HERE TO-DAY

Soldiers and saviours of the homes we love;

Heroes and patriots who marched away,

And who marched back, and who marched on above —

All — all are here to-day!

By the dear cause you fought for — you are here;

At summons of bugle, and the drum

Whose palpitating syllables were ne'er

More musical, you come!

Here — by the stars that bloom in fields of blue,

And by the bird above with shielding wings;

And by the flag that floats out over you,

With silken beckonings —

Ay, here beneath its folds are gathered all

Who warred unscathed for blessings that it gave —

Still blessed its champion, though it but fall

A shadow on his grave!