But were the fainting to be raised,
The sorrowing comforted,—
The warrior vanished, and men saw
An angel stoop instead.
O soldier Father! dear I hold
Thine honored name to-day;
Thy high soul draws mine eyes above,
And beacons me the way.
And when my heart beats quick to learn
Some deed of high emprise,
I almost see the answering flash
That lightens from thine eyes.
I greet thee fair! I bless thee dear!
And here, in token meet,
I pluck these buds from memory’s wreath,
And lay them at thy feet.