12 THE PARTING Yet, in all my pain and sorrow, could I call thee back to-morrrow, Dear, my lips should never breathe the words to hasten thy return : Though I sit so sadly sobbing, with a heart so wildly throbbing, I could never quench the sparks that on thy bosom's altar burn. No! our hearts may wander darkling the diamond sparkling still I see Of the star that yet shall dawn to bid us hope for peace once more; And my soul leaps e'en in sadness, like an infant in its gladness, To think how proud I'll greet thee when the bloody strife is o'er. I'll not think of death and slaughter, tinged with blood the crystal water Of the purling streams that murmur through the forests of our land, But of banners proudly streaming where the campfires now are gleaming, Hear the rallying shout of millions peal from Freedom's fearless band! THE PARTING. 13 See I thee bold, brave, and daring on thy manly forehead wearing The shadow of a purpose strong as every pulse of life, See thee strike the foe before thee, while the rolling clouds sweep o'er thee Oh! 'mid clashing swords and sabres, in the hottest of the strife. I would never have thee falter! - better death or felon's halter Than to see our cause defeated and a nation bowed in shame. Were I man, grim death should claim me ere a coward's thought should shame me, Or the stigma of inaction rise upon my manhood's fame! Leave God have thee in His keeping ever, waking or in sleeping; Every hour I breathe a prayer for our country's cause and thee; And I feel this love will fold thee, till mine eyes again behold thee In the flush of manly beauty and the pride of vic tory! B. Z. S. 14 THE SOLDIER'S “GOOD-BY.” THE SOLDIER'S "GOOD-BY." BY MARY E. NEALY. GOOD-BY, my wife, my child, my friend, 'Tis hard to leave you all; But there's a God in heaven above Will bless and shield you with His love, You know I could not stay, dear love, The shot of Sumter circled round, A thrill that never else had swept Upon my country's shrine. O dearest! there's a manhood lies, We know not of, till in our skies To fill our land with storms. THE SOLDIER'S "GOOD-BY." Then, like a mountain stream it comes, It echoes to the beat of drums, This war is sad; but I thank God Of manhood, strong within my blood ;· My arms seem braced with nerves of steel, The power to crush beneath my heel The man who springs not to his sword To see his country's fame restored, Then ask me not. I cannot stay, 'The God that looks on us to-day 15 16 THE SOLDIER'S “GOOD-BY." Will listen to you when you pray, Yet if I come not back again, This blood will not be spilled in vain I'm strong enough to die, dear love, For I shall see from Heaven above Entwined with Freedom's flowers. Now kiss me one "good-by," my wife, For while I revel in the strife, 'Tis weary all the dark suspense The anguished thoughts, the woe intense, |