Firm on the side of right to stand;
Ye return with hearts still brave and true;
Then our warmest greeting we give to you.
Ye return, but our tears will fall as ye come,
For the mournful notes of the muffled drum
Are borne on the breeze over mountain and wave,
As it beats the dirge by your comrades’ grave.
With the order, “Forward!” ye marched proudly on,
And your colors bright to the front were borne;
When the smoke of the battle had cleared away,