SOLDIER'S MORNING SONG. Go where the bending willow weeps The epitaph that history keeps In letters white. Quarry from clouds a shaft to tower 'Till blossoms rise in sun and shower, YE SOLDIER'S MORNING SONG. Erhebt euch von der Erde. E sleepers, hear the warning, Loud snort the steeds "Good-morning!" Forsake your grassy beds. The sun-lit steel is gleaming, Undimmed by battle's breath; Of garlands men are dreaming, 33 34 SOLDIER'S MORNING SONG. Thou gracious God! in kindness Thy truth's all-conquering sign: There yet shall come a morning, Then peals from all the towers! C. T. BROOKS. THE AFTER THE BATTLE. AFTER THE BATTLE. BY E. L. R. HE cannon's thunders ceased to swell- No more with vengeful fury sped A sullen silence broods around - Perchance a brother's fate was sealed, And, e'en while in the arms of Death, Where raged the fury of the fray Two warriors, side by side they lay, All rent with many a ghastly wound, Their life-blood bathed the crimson ground. Fierce foes in life the cannon's roar 36 AFTER THE BATTLE. The war-steed wanders o'er the plain, The form of him, whose hand would guide The chieftain's sword, grasped in his hand, He fell while rose the joyous cry, Close by yon straggling mass of wall, With dying shout he partly rose, O, piteous sight! Yet Freedom gave To the loved ones, whose blood shall rise Their noble deeds of valor done, A MOTHER WAITING FOR THE NEWS. 37 And on our hearts will e'er remain A nation's tears will greet the dead, A MOTHER WAITING FOR THE NEWS. BY DAVID M. MENAMIN. OW wearily the hours pass HOW Since, through the ambient air, The lightnings flashed the startling fact, There, where my noble, honest boy The path of fame pursues; Wounded upon that gory field, Nor mother there to wet his lips, Nor raise his hopes on high; |