UPON the hill he turn'd To take a last fond look Of the valley and the village church And the cottage by the brook; He listen'd to the sounds, So familiar to his ear, And the soldier leant upon his sword, And wiped away a tear. Beside that cottage porch A girl was on her knees, She held aloft a snowy scarf, Which flutter'd in the breeze; She breath'd a prayer for him, A prayer he could not hear, But he paused to bless her, as she knelt, And wiped away a tear. He turn'd and left the spot, Oh, do not deem him weak; For dauntless was the soldier's heart, Though tears were on his cheek; Go watch the foremost rank In danger's dark career, Be sure the hand most daring there Has wiped away a tear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET TO ALISA ROCK by JOHN KEATS THE MERMAID by ALFRED TENNYSON HINDOO FUNERAL SONG by EDWIN ARNOLD |