Classic Poem

In thousand shaded valleys,
On thousand sunny hills,
In thousands of still alleys,
Beside the rippling rills,—
Who, who can tell the numbers
Of green graves where they sleep?
But peace breathes o'er their slumbers;
Love shall their ashes keep.

Sleep, comrades, in your glory!
Sweet be your honored rest;
Thousands shall tell the story
How ye, your high behest,
Bravely in love fulfilling,
Gave up your lives, to be
A sacrifice most willing,—
The seal of liberty.

Oft as the spring-time, breathing
Sweet odors from fair flowers,
With dewy pearls comes, wreathing
Our bright and peaceful bowers,
We bring the first and fairest,
In honor to the brave,—
The choicest and the rarest,
To deck the soldier's grave.

God of our country, o'er us
Thy shield of glory spread!
Go Thou in love before us;
Direct the paths we tread.

Faithful in every duty,
To us Thy grace be given,
And then, the crowning beauty
Of fadeless wreaths in heaven.