These flags of armies overthrown —...

These flags of armies overthrown —

Flags fallen beneath the sovereign one

In end foredoomed which closes war;

We here, the captors, lay before

The altar which of right claims all —

Our Country. And as freely we,

Revering ever her sacred call,

Could lay our lives down — though life be

Thrice loved and precious to the sense

Of such as reap the recompense

Of life imperiled for just cause —

Imperiled, and yet preserved;

While comrades, whom Duty as strongly nerved,

Whose wives were all as dear, lie low.

But these flags given, glad we go

To waiting homes with vindicated laws.