“Taps” falls far sweeter on the air

Than any other sound.

Like opiate rare, it soothes all care—

To weary men a blessing seems—

And pleasant are the soldier’s dreams

Tho’ stretched upon the ground.

Ah, Taps, thy mournful signal call

Floats o’er a new-made grave,

Thy soft notes fall where one from all

Life’s weary march forever rests—