A soldier came from distant lands, to seek his childhood's home: A gallant boy he marched away, when first he longed to roam With colours flying o'er his head, with music's thrilling strain; But now a saddened, dying man, he wandered home again.
He left his love, the village belle, and cried, in careless glee: 'When medals shine upon my breast, a hero's bride thou 'lt be.' To bring his mother laurels back, his youthful heart had yearned; A simple cross, a life of toil, were all that he had earned.
Beside the old churchyard there sat, upon a rustic stile, A pretty little village maid, who gave him smile for smile. He asked her news of dear old friends--his dog among the rest-- And trem'lous then he slowly asked for those he loved the best.
But when his father's, mother's, name she heard him softly say, The merry face grew grave and sad; the bright smile passed away. She told, their son was lost or dead, their hearts' delight and pride; ''Neath yonder yew-tree,' said the maid, 'they're sleeping, side by side.'
He asked her of his boyhood's love; a joyous answer came; 'Thou knowest all my friends,' she cried; 'that _was_ my mother's name.' The soldier's face was fraught with grief she could not understand; Yet, with a child's quick sympathy, she placed in his her hand.
'Come home,' she said; but with a kiss, quoth he, 'That may not be; I soon shall reach the only home now left, on earth, for me.' She was his last remaining friend; and thus, life's journey done, He gave her all he had to give--the cross, too dearly won!
Bethought the maid, he needs repose as he has come from far; So prayed that he would tell, some day, the story of the war. 'We two will rest a little while, for I am tired,' she said; 'Where daisies grow, beneath the tree, come now and rest thy head.'
She led him, gently, to the spot; and sleeping, calmly, there, The mother found them, hand in hand. How different the pair! _He_ was at peace; but in that rest where sorrow ne'er may come. Ah! may the soldier then have gained, in Heaven, a better home.
_Volume XIV. of the Fourth Series of CHAMBERS'S JOURNAL is now completed, price Nine Shillings._
_A Title-page and Index, price One Penny, have been prepared, and may be ordered through any bookseller._