the track?       "And there's another, Charlie        (His voice became more low), When thoughts of HER come o'er me, It makes it hard to go. This locket in my bosom, She gave me just before I left my native village For the fearful scenes of war.       "Give her this message, Charlie, Sent with my dying breath, To her and to my banner I'm 'faithful unto death.'      And if, in that far country Which I am going to, Our earthly ties may enter, I'll there my love renew.       "Come nearer, closer, Charlie, My head I fain would rest, It must be for the last time, Upon your faithful breast. Dear friend, I cannot tell you How in my heart I feel The depth of your devotion, Your friendship strong as steel.       "We've watched and camped together In sunshine and in rain; We've shared the toils and perils Of more than one campaign; And when my tired feet faltered, Beneath the noontide heat, Your words sustained my courage, Gave new strength to my feet.       "And once,—'twas at Antietam,—        Pressed hard by thronging foes, I almost sank exhausted Beneath their cruel blows,—      When you, dear friend, undaunted, With headlong courage threw Your heart into the contest, And safely brought me through.       "My words are weak, dear Charlie, My breath is growing scant; Your hand upon my heart there, Can you not hear me pant? Your thoughts I know will wander Sometimes to where I lie—      How dark it grows! True comrade And faithful friend, good-by!"       A moment, and he lay there A statue, pale and calm. His youthful head reclining Upon his comrade's arm. His limbs upon the greensward Were stretched in careless grace, And by the fitful moon was seen A smile upon his face. 

  

       SONG OF THE CROAKER. (*)     

      * Written by request for the Philadelphia Sanitary Fair. An old frog lived in a dismal swamp, In a dismal kind of way; And all that he did, whatever befell, Was to croak the livelong day. Croak, croak, croak, When darkness filled the air, And croak, croak, croak, When the skies were bright and fair.       "Good Master Frog, a battle is fought, And the foeman's power is broke."      But he only turned a greener hue, And answered with a croak. Croak, croak, croak, When the clouds are dark and dun, And croak, croak, croak, In the blaze of the 

 Prev. P 23/29 next