And when the battle was over, in deepening gloom and shade,
He followed the Staff in silence, and rode to grand parade;
For the Tenth had another hero, all ripe for the General’s praise,
Who was called to the front that evening by the name of Trooper Hayes;
He had slashed his way to fortune, when scattered, unhorsed, alone,
And saving the life of a comrade had managed to guard his own.
The General spoke out bravely as ever a soldier can—
“The Army’s proud of your valour; the Regiment’s proud of their man!”
Then across that lonely desert, at the close of the General’s praise,
Came a cheer, then a quick short tremble on the lips of Trooper Hayes.