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Alfred Noyes

Veterans

(Written for the Relief Fund of the Crimean Veterans.)

I


When the last charge sounds

And the battle thunders o'er the plain,

Thunders o'er the trenches where the red streams flow,

Will it not be well with us,

Veterans, veterans,

If, beneath your torn old flag, we burst upon the foe?



II


When the last post sounds

And the night is on the battle-field,

Night and rest at last from all the tumult of our wars,

Will it not be well with us,

Veterans, veterans,

If, with duty done like yours, we lie beneath the stars?



III


When the great reveille sounds

For the terrible last Sabaoth,

All the legions of the dead shall hear the trumpet ring!

Will it not be well with us,

Veterans, veterans,

If, beneath your torn old flag, we rise to meet our King?