The General came to see me, too, with all his brilliant train,
But what he said, or how I felt, to tell you now ’twere vain.
Enough, I soon grew strong again; the wished-for route had come,
And all the gallant veteran troops set out with cheers for home.
We soon arrived; and then my lads, ’twould thrill your hearts to hear
How England welcomed home her sons with many a ringing cheer.
But tush! what boots it now to speak of what was said or done,
The victory was dearly bought, our bravest hearts were gone.
Ere long the King reviewed us. Ah! that memory is sweet.
They made me bear the foreign flag, and lay it at his feet.