They started off with us, their hopes were as bright
As any of ours—and their spirits as light;
Their efforts were brave, and their motives were good;
And they made the long march just as well as they could.
These gold days of June, each a floral surprise,
Gave a thrill to their hearts, and a gleam to their eyes;
The meadows that mantle yon valley's cool breast,
To them, as to us, were the symbols of rest;
By them as by us the fresh hill-sides were seen,
When corn-fields were tossing their ribbons of green;