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THE DYING SOLDIER (3) The sun was sinking in the west, the birds were singing gay 'Through the branches of the forest where the dying soldier lay In the shade of a palmetto 'neath a sultry southern sky, Away from his New England home they laid him down to die. A crowd had gathered 'round him, his comrades in the fight, A tear rolled down each manly cheek as they bade him all good night; One dear friend and companion had knelt down by his side, Striving hard to save his lifeblood, but alas in vain they tried. With a sigh of deep anguish when he saw 'twas all in vain, And down this loved companion's cheeks the tears flowed down like rain; Then spoke the dying soldier, "Harry, weep no more for me, For I'm crossing the dark border where beyond it all are free. "Stand up closely, comrades, closely, listen to the words 1 say, There is one thing 1 would tell you e'er my spirit pass away; Far away in my loved New England home in that lone Pine Tree State There is one who for my coming with a saddened heart awaits. "She's a fair young girl, my sister, my darling and my pride, My care and joy from boyhood, for I have none beside; And I'm sorry for the future of this one so true and brave, When her only friend and brother lies in a soldier's grave. "When our country was invaded and called for volunteers, She threw her arms around my neck and bursting into tears, Saying, 'Go, my darling brother, drive those traitors from our shore, My heart needs your compassion, but your country needs it more. "'And although my heart is breaking, I will not bid thee stay, But here in our old homestead I'll wait thee day by day.' But comrades, I am dying, I'll never see her more, And in vain she'll wait my coming by that little cottage door. "I've no mother, she lies sleeping beneath the churchyard sod; It's been many, many a long year since her spirit went to God; I've no father, he lies sleeping beneath the deep blue sea I've no kndred nor connections, There was only Nell and me. "I have served my country truly, I've given her my all But for my darling sister I would be content to fall, I have loved her as a brother, shielded her with a father's care And I've tried from grief and sorrow her tender heart to spare. "Stand up closer, comrades, closer listen to my dying prayer Who will be to her a brother, shield her with a father's care?" Then the soldiers spoke together, like one voice it seemed to fall "We will be to her a brother, we'll protect her one and all!" The sun a ray of brightness sent a halo o'er his head One quick convulsive shudder and the soldier boy was dead. Far away from his loved New England home they laid him down to rest With his knapsack for a pillow and his rifle on his breast. From the singing of Spurgeon Allaby Folksongs of New Brunswick, Ives A variant of The Dying Ranger @death @war @Civil @soldier filename[ dyrang3 TUNE FILE: DYSOLD CLICK TO PLAY RG |
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