Only A Soldier's Grave

Only a soldier's grave! Pass by
For soldiers, like other mortals, die.
Parents had he, they are far away
No sister weeps o'er the soldier's clay.

No brother comes, with tearful eye
It's only a soldier's grave,  pass by.
True, he was loving, and young, and brave
Though no glowing epitaph honors his grave.

No proud recital of virtues known
Of grief's endured, or triumphs won.
No tablet of marble, or obelisk high
Only a soldier's grave:  pass by.

Yet bravely he wielded his sword in fight
And he gave his life in the cause of right.
When his hope was high, and his youthful dream
As warm as the sunlight on yonder stream.

His heart un-vexed by sorrow or sigh
Yet, 'tis only a soldier's grave:  pass by.
Yet, we should mark it, the soldier's grave
Some one may seek him in hope to save.

Some of the dear ones, far away
Would bear him home to his native clay.
'Twere sad, indeed, should they wander nigh
Find not the hillock, and pass him by.