Classic Poem

Once I had a Comrade
A better ne'er has been
The battle drums were beating
In equal measures treading
Beside me he was seen.

There came a bullet flying—
Is it for me or Thee?
Him it strikes and dying
Before my feet he's lying,
Even as a part of me.

Will the hand reach to me
That I so lately knew!
My hand I cannot give Thee
To Eternal Life I leave Thee
My Comrade good and true.