Spare him—by our holy vow;
By our prayers and many tears;
By the mercy that endears—
Spare him—he our love hath shared;
Spare him as thou wouldst be spared.
8. "Take thy banner, and, if e'er
Thou shouldst press the soldier's bier.
And the muffled drums should beat
To the tread of mournful feet,
Then this common flag shall be