For them the wide grain waved its flags richly free,
And promised fruition, in days soon to be;
For them faithful hands gave a clasp that was true,
And proud kindred hearts kept their triumphs in view;
They marched by our side, with no burden of dread—
They saw not the grave, just a few steps ahead;
They looked for the time, when sweet blessings would grow
From the rich earthly truths they had struggled to know;
But too weary the march, or too heavy the load;
And they laid down their armor and died on the road.