Classic Poem

1. We from childhood play'd together, My dear comrade Jack and I; We would
fight each other's battles, To each other's aid we'd fly;
And in boyish scrapes and troubles, You would find us ev'rywhere;
Where one went the other follow'd, Naught could part us, for we were:
2. When just budding into manhood, I yearn'd for a soldier's life; Night and
day I dream'd of glory, Longing for the battle's strife!
I said: " Jack, I'll be a soldier, 'Neaththe Red, the White and Blue!
Goodbye, Jack! " said he: " No never! If you go, then I'll go too! "
3. I enlisted, Jack came with me, And ups and downs we shared; For a
time our lives were peaceful, But at length war was declared;
England's flag had been insulted, We were order'd to the front,
And the regiment we belonged to, Had to bear the battle's brunt.
Comrades, comrades ever since we were boys;
Sharing each other's sorrows, sharing each other's joys;
Comrades when manhood was dawning, Faithful whate'er might betide; When danger
threatened, my darling old comrade was there by my side! side!
4. In the night, the savage foeman Crept around us as we lay! To our
arms we leap'd and faced them, Back to back we stood at bay! As I
fought, a savage at me Aim'd his spear, like lightning's dart, But my
comrade sprang to save me, And receiv'd it in his heart!