Enlisted.

           by W. A. Kendall.

 

"YOU'VE donned the peerless uniform

    Of good old Uncle Sam "—

  Around my neck her arms she threw,

  And to her breast my own she drew—

    With tears her fond eyes swam.

 

"You're dearer to me than I thought —

    Since in this steadfast hue

  Your form was draped, its impress takes

  A depth such as a hero's makes—

    All hail, my own true blue!

 

"Prouder am I to see you thus —

    Though it preludes good-by —

  Than were you crowned perchance a king,

  Whose name in action ne'er did ring,

    Whose soul gives fame the lie.

 

"Your stature seems to gain in height

    from your high motive's aim;

  And to such eminence my heart

  Is lifted, I am strong to part —

    Oh! to reserve were shame!

 

"Go, save our country! she is first—

     Stand guard until you fall;

  Or till the danger overcome

  Shall respite the alarum-drum —

     I will delay recall.

 

"Go, where along the lurid front

     The Union vanguards tramp!

  Do your whole duty, danger spurn,

  When Freedom's laurelled, then return —

     These arms shall be your camp!

 

"As I would ask, so you have done —

    ‘God shield you!’ is my charm:

  Should you survive, redeem this kiss

  And should you perish, one will miss

     From life its sweetest balm.

 

"These tears attest the grief I feel—

     God's and my own true blue!

   For every one speed thou a shot;

   When quietus the foe has got,

     Valor for love may sue."

 

   So spoke my own brave girl, and fled,

     Fearing her heart's dread pain

   Would traitor prove unto her will,

   And rising with rebellious thrill,

     Persuade me to remain.

 

   To die for her were sweeter far

     Than loved by less to live;

   Such natures wear an aspect grand,

   As with an unreserving hand

     They answer Duty's "give!"

 

   O woman! how much patriot fire

     Thy breath has woke to flame!

   How many heroes were not such

   But for thy consecrating touch,

     None less than God can name!

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