31
From the Union constellation not a single star was rent.
For the wealth of pride and party in a common cause were blent;
And the graceful folds above us, bullet scarred and blood embossed
Are a peerless proclamation of the sacrifice and cost.
For the wealth of pride and party in a common cause were blent;
And the graceful folds above us, bullet scarred and blood embossed
Are a peerless proclamation of the sacrifice and cost.
Well we know the sacred standard guarding ev'ry soldier's grave
Must remain what we have made it, the insignia of the brave;
Precious, speaking of the partings that have sanctified the past,
Holy—for the great reunion we are looking to at last.
Must remain what we have made it, the insignia of the brave;
Precious, speaking of the partings that have sanctified the past,
Holy—for the great reunion we are looking to at last.
Can we, dare we, be despondent, should we hear the midnight call?
Would we shun the gracious welcome, with its day of rest for all?
Nay! a clearer light is dawning when each trusting soul shall seem
Like a vessel gently gliding homeward, heavenward, with the stream.
Would we shun the gracious welcome, with its day of rest for all?
Nay! a clearer light is dawning when each trusting soul shall seem
Like a vessel gently gliding homeward, heavenward, with the stream.
